Rotary hinge mechanism of portable phone

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a hinge mechanism of portable phone having an advanced configuration, which can perform the opening operation and the rotating operation of a phone cover. The hinge mechanism comprises a housing to connect a phone body and a phone cover, which has a rotary chamber and a hinge chamber, a hinge part to open and to close he phone cover, which is disposed in the hinge chamber, and a rotary part to rotate the phone cover, which is disposed in the rotary chamber. A user can play a game or watch a motion picture using the portable phone while looking at the liquid crystal display of the phone cover, because the phone cover can be rotated.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a hinge mechanism of portable phone, and moreparticularly to a hinge mechanism of portable phone capable of openingand closing a cover of a portable phone while can rotate the cover abouta certain axis so that a front surface and back surfaces can beconverted.

BACKGROUND ART

Korea Patent Application No. 10-1998-0046799 discloses a hinge mechanismof a portable phone as an example of a cover hinge mechanism of aportable phone.

The hinge mechanism of the portable phone including the hinge mechanismaccording to the above-mentioned application is used for rotating acover against a body.

Such hinge mechanism can hold the cover in open or closure elastically.

Meanwhile, the cover typically has a liquid crystal display at a sidethereof contacting with a face of the body. In the state of closing thecover, the liquid crystal display comes in close contact with the faceof the body, resulting in that a user can watch a screen of the liquidcrystal display. Thus, the liquid crystal display of the cover always isset in order to automatically turn off when the user do not put in callto someone, while only turning on when the cover opens.

Since the hinge mechanism of the general portable phone performs suchthat the cover is opened and closed against the body of portable phone,however, there is a problem in that the user can watch the liquidcrystal display when the cover is closed.

On the other hand, the liquid crystal display can be installed on bothsides of the cover, but it causes a cost of manufactusealing theportable phone to increase. Furthermore, since the liquid crystaldisplay on an outer side of the cover is always exposed to an outerenvironment, there is another problem in that the liquid crystal displaycan be easily destroyed.

Recently, a portable phone having a camera for image communication hasbeen developed as the portable phone including lots of additionalfunctions has been demanded. In such portable phone, the camera isembedded in the body or one of both sides of the cover, or detachablymountained at the hinge mechanism of the portable phone.

With the above-described portable phone, the camera is always directedto the user to take a picture of user's face and then transmits thepicture to someone.

Accordingly, where the user wish take a picture of the body but thehis/her face, the body of portable phone or the cover which is rotatablyinstalled to the body of the portable phone must be directed to theuser's body to take the picture of the his/her body. As the result,since the user cannot watch the liquid crystal display anymore, there isanother problem in that the user cannot identify whether the cameranormally takes the picture of his/her body.

DISCLOSUR OF INVENTION

The present invention is contrived to overcome above-described problems.It is an object of the present invention to provide a hinge mechanism ofportable phone which can help to open and close the cover of theportable phone, while makes the cover turn reversely, resulting in thata user can watch a liquid crystal display of the cover in the state ofturning off the portable phone.

To achieve the object of the present invention, there is provided ahinge mechanism of a portable phone which comprises: a first hingehousing including a first rotating chamber having an upper portionopened and a first hinge chamber formed at a side of the first rotatingchamber, for mechanically connecting a cover to a body; a first hingepart which is installed to the first hinge chamber, for opening andclosing the cover; and a first rotary part which is installed to thefirst rotating chamber, for rotating the cover.

The first rotary part includes: a first cylinder which has a firstcylinder chamber formed at a lower surface with opening, a firstcylinder aperture formed at an upper surface, and a first arm projectedfrom upper portion to be combined with the cover; a first compressedspring installed to the first cylinder chamber; a first slip memberwhich has a first slip opening at a center thereof and which isinstalled under the first compressed spring to the first cylinderchamber; and a first center shaft which is formed at a bottom surface ofthe first rotating chamber so as to sequentially extend through thefirst slip opening, the first compressed spring, the first cylinderchamber and the first cylinder aperture.

A pair of leaf spring inserting holes is formed on an outer peripheralsurface of the first cylinder, and a pair of leaf spring installingholes is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the first slip member,in which a pair of leaf springs is respectively installed in the leafspring inserting holes such that a center portion of the leaf spring isinserted in the leaf spring inserting hole.

A first center projection is formed on a peripheral surface of the firstcenter shaft, and a first slip groove is formed on an inner surface ofthe first slip member, in which the first center projection is inserted.

A first cylinder projection is formed on the an outer peripheral surfaceof the first cylinder, and a pair of first stoppers is formed on aninner surface of the first cylinder opposite to the first rotatingchamber, to which the first cylinder projection is latched.

The first housing has a first cutoff portion through which a wire entersthe first rotating chamber to electrically connect the cover to thebody.

A first annular groove is formed at an end of the first center shaft, inwhich a first sealing is fixedly inserted so as to fix the firstcylinder to the first center shaft.

The first hinge chamber has an end opened and includes a first guiderecess formed from an opening end to an interior thereof, wherein thefirst hinge part includes a first hinge spring which is installed in thefirst hinge chamber; a first rotary hinge part which is inserted in thefirst hinge chamber at an outside of the first hinge spring, which has afirst rotary hinge aperture formed at a center thereof, of which a firstrotary hinge projection is formed on an outer surface, and which has afirst rotary hinge surface continuously extending to the first rotaryhinge aperture while having two-wave type of bending when rotating eachtime; a first rotary fixing part which has a first fixing hinge holeformed opposite corresponding to the firs rotary hinge aperture so as toenclose the first fixing hinge part and which has a first fixing hingesurface corresponding to the first hinge surface at a side thereof and afirst fixing hinge projection formed on the other side to be fixed tothe body; and a first hinge shaft extending through the first fixinghinge hole, the first rotary hinge aperture and the first hinge springto be fixed to the first hinge chamber.

The first hinge chamber opens at a top portion thereof, which has afirst hinge chamber hole formed at a side surface thereof, and the firsthinge part includes: a first rotary hinge part which is fixedlyinstalled in the first hinge chamber, which has a first rotary hingehole formed at a center thereof and which has a first rotary hingesurface continuously extending toward the first rotary hinge hole whilehaving two-wave type of bending when rotating each time; a first fixinghinge part which is rotatably installed in the first hinge chamber,which has a first fixed hinge surface corresponding to the first rotaryhinge surface at a side thereof, which has a first hinge shaft formed onthe first fixed hinge surface to be inserted in the first rotary hingehole and which a first fixed hinge projection formed at the other sidethereof to be inserted in the first hinge chamber hole; and a firsthinge spring which is installed in the first hinge chamber, forelastically urging the first rotary hinge part to the first fixed hingepart.

Furthermore, the first hinge chamber opens at a side thereof, which hasa first guide recess formed from an open end to an interior, and thefirst hinge part includes a first hinge spring which is installed in thefirst hinge chamber; a first rotary hinge part which is inserted in thefirst hinge chamber to enclose the first hinge spring, which has a firstrotary hinge hole formed at a center thereof, which has a first rotaryhinge projection formed on an outer surface to be combined with thefirst guide recess and which has a first plain rotary hinge surface; afirst fixed hinge part which enclose the first fixed hinge part, whichhas a first fixed hinge hole corresponding to the first rotary hingehole, which has a first fixed hinge surface formed at a side thereof toface the first rotary hinge surface, and which a first fixed hingeprojection formed at the other side to be fixed to the body; and a firsthinge shaft which extends the first hinge hole, the first rotary hingehole and the first hinge spring to be fixed to the first hinge chamber.

On the other hand, the hinge mechanism of portable phone according tothe present invention comprises: a second housing which includes asecond rotary chamber having a top portion opened and a hinge chamberformed at a side, for mechanically connecting a cover to a body; asecond hinge part which is installed I the second hinge chamber, foropening and closing the cover; and a second rotary part which isinstalled in the first rotary chamber, for rotating the cover, whereinthe second rotary part includes: a second cylinder which has a secondcylinder chamber opened at a bottom thereof, which has a second cylinderhole formed at an upper surface thereof, and which has a second armformed at a top portion to be combined with the cover and a secondcylinder groove formed along a length of the second rotary part in aninner surface thereof; a second compressed spring which is installed inthe second cylinder chamber; a second rotary slip part which has asecond rotary slip hole formed at a center thereof, which has a secondrotary slip projection formed at an outer peripheral surface thereof tobe combined with the second cylinder groove, and which has a second slipsurface continuously and horizontally extending to the second rotaryslip hole while having two wave type of bending when rotating each time;a second slip fixing portion which has a second polygonal hole formed ata center thereof and which has a second fixed slip surface correspondingto the second rotary slip waving surface; and a second center shaftwhich has a second polygonal projection to be combined with the secondpolygonal hole and which is installed at a bottom surface of the secondrotary chamber to sequentially extend through the second polygonal hole,the second rotary slip hole, the second compressed spring and the secondcylinder hole.

A second cylinder projection is formed on an outer peripheral surface ofthe second cylinder, and a second stopper is formed on an inner surfacein the second rotary chamber to allow the second cylinder projection tobe latched thereon.

A second cylinder projection is formed at a bottom surface of the secondcylinder, and a second stopping groove is formed at a bottom of thesecond rotary chamber so that the second cylinder projection is insertedin the second stopping groove to stop the second cylinder at an initialposition or at a position of being turned at 180 degree.

A second arm projection is formed at a bottom surface of the second arm,and a second housing stopping groove is formed on an upper surface ofthe second housing so that the second arm projection is inserted in thesecond housing stopping groove to stop the second cylinder at an initialposition or at a position of being turned at 180 degree.

The second housing has a second cutoff portion through which a wireenters the second rotary chamber to electrically connect the cover tothe body.

A second annular groove is formed at an end of the second center shaft,to which a second sealing is combined to fix the second cylinder to thesecond center shaft.

The second hinge chamber opens at an end thereof, which includes a firstguide recess formed from the opened end to an interior of the secondhinge chamber, and the second hinge part includes: a second hinge springwhich is installed in the second hinge chamber; a second rotary hingepart which is inserted in the second hinge chamber to enclose the secondhinge spring, which has a second rotary hinge hole formed at a centerportion thereof and a second rotary hinge projection formed thereon tobe combined with the second guide recess, and which has a second rotaryhinge surface continuously and horizontally extending to the secondrotary hinge hole while having two-wave type of bending when rotatingeach time; a second fixed hinge part which encloses the second fixedhinge part, which has a second fixed hinge hole corresponding to thesecond rotary hinge hole formed therein, and which has a second fixedhinge surface formed on a surface to be corresponding to the secondrotary hinge hole and a second fixed hinge projection formed on theother surface to be fixed to the body; and a second hinge shaftextending through the second hinge hole, the second rotary hinge holeand the second hinge spring to be fixed to the second hinge chamber.

The second hinge chamber opens at a top portion thereof, which has asecond hinge chamber hole formed at a side thereof, and the second hingepart includes: a second rotary hinge part which is fixedly installed inthe second hinge chamber, which has a second rotary hinge hole formed ata center portion thereof, and which has a second rotary hinge surfacecontinuously and horizontally extending to the second rotary hinge holewhile having two-wave type of bending when rotating each time; a secondfixed hinge part which is rotatably installed in the second hingechamber, which has a second fixed hinge surface formed at a surface tobe corresponding to the second rotary hinge surface, and which has asecond hinge shaft formed on the second fixed hinge surface to beinserted in the second rotary hinge hole and a second fixed hingeprojection formed on the other surface to be inserted in the secondhinge chamber hole; and a second hinge spring which is installed in thesecond hinge chamber to elastically urge the second rotary hinge part tothe second fixed hinge part.

The second hinge chamber opens at a side thereof, which has a secondguide recess formed from an opened end to an interior thereof, and thesecond hinge part includes: a second hinge spring which is installed inthe second hinge chamber; a second rotary hinge part which is insertedin the second hinge chamber to enclose the second hinge spring, whichhas a second rotary hinge hole formed at a center portion thereof, andwhich has a second rotary hinge projection formed on an outer surfacethereof to be combined to the second guide recess, and a second rotaryhinge surface; a second fixed hinge part which encloses the second fixedhinge part, which has a second fixed hinge hole corresponding to thesecond rotary hinge hole, and which has a second fixed hinge surfaceformed on a side thereof to be corresponding to the second rotary hingesurface and a second fixed hinge projection formed on the other sidethereof to be fixed to the body; and a second hinge shaft extendingthrough the second fixed hinge hole, the second rotary hinge hole andthe second hinge spring to be fixed to the second hinge chamber.

The second hinge part includes: a second hinge housing which has asecond hinge housing chamber formed with an opened top portion and asecond guide recess formed lengthwise on a side thereof, which has asecond hinge housing hole formed at a side thereof and a second hingehousing projection formed on the other side thereof; a second rotaryhinge part which is installed to the second hinge housing, which has asecond rotary hinge projection formed on an outer surface thereof to beinserted in the second guide recess and a second rotary hinge holeformed at a center portion thereof, and which has a second rotary hingesurface continuously and horizontally extending to the second rotaryhinge hole while having two-wave type of bending when rotating eachtime; a second fixed hinge part which is rotatably installed to thesecond hinge housing, which has a second hinge surface formed at asurface thereof to be corresponding to the second rotary hinge surface,which has a second hinge shaft formed on the second fixed hinge surfaceto be inserted in the second rotary hinge hole, and which has a secondfixed hinge projection formed on the other surface to be inserted in thesecond hinge housing hole; and a second hinge spring installed to thesecond hinge housing in order that one end of the second hinge spring iscombined to the second hinge housing projection and that the other endelastically supports the second rotary hinge part.

Meanwhile, the hinge mechanism of portable phone according to thepresent invention comprises: a third housing having a third rotarychamber with an opened top portion and a third hinge chamber formed at aside of the third rotary chamber, for mechanically connecting a cover toa body; a third hinge part which is installed to the third hingechamber, for opening and closing the cover; and a third rotary partwhich is installed to the third rotary chamber, for rotating the cover,wherein the third rotary part includes a third cylinder which opens at alower portion and has a third cylinder chamber, which has a thirdcylinder hole formed in an upper portion thereof and a third armprojected from the upper portion thereof to be combined with the cover,and which has a third cylinder groove formed lengthwise thereon; a thirdcompressed spring which is installed in the third cylinder chamber; athird rotary slip part which has a third rotary slip hole formed at acenter portion thereof, which has a third cylinder hole formed on anupper surface thereon and a third arm projected from an upper portion tobe combined with the cover, and which a third cylinder groove formedlengthwise on an inner surface thereof; a third fixed slip part whichhas a third polygonal hole formed at a center portion thereof and whichhas a third fixed slip surface on an upper portion; and a third centershaft which has a third polygonal projection to be combined with thethird polygonal hole, and which is installed at a bottom surface of thethird rotary chamber to sequentially extend the third polygonal hole,the third rotary slip hole, the third compressed spring and the thirdcylinder hole.

A pair of third balls is installed on the third rotary slip surface tobe opposite to each other about the third rotary slip hole while a pairof third hemispheric groove is formed on the third fixed slip surface toface the pair of the third balls, and third guide recess is formed tocommunicate the third hemispheric grooves.

A pair of third balls is installed on the third fixed slip surface to beopposite to each other about the third fixed slip hole while a pair ofthird hemispheric groove is formed on the third rotary slip surface toface the pair of the third balls, and third guide recess is formed tocommunicate the third hemispheric grooves.

A pair of third projections may be installed on the third rotary slipsurface to be opposite to each other about the third rotary slip holewhile a pair of third hemispheric groove is formed on the third fixedslip surface to face the pair of the third projections, and third guiderecess is formed to communicate the third hemispheric grooves.

Further, a third cylinder projection is formed on an outer peripheralsurface of the third cylinder, and a pair of third stoppers is formed onopposite inner surfaces of the third rotary chamber, to which the thirdcylinder projection is latched.

The third housing has a third cutoff portion through which a wire entersthe third rotary chamber to electrically connect the cover to the body.

A third annular groove is formed at an end of the third center shaft, towhich a third sealing is combined to fix the third cylinder to the thirdcenter shaft.

The third hinge chamber opens at aside thereof, which includes a thirdguide recess formed from the opened end to an interior thereof, and thethird hinge part includes: a third hinge spring which is installed inthe third hinge chamber; a third rotary hinge part which is inserted inthe third hinge chamber to enclose the third hinge spring, which has athird rotary hinge hole formed at a center portion thereof, which has athird rotary hinge projection formed on an outer surface thereof to becombined with the third guide recess, and which has a third rotary hingesurface continuously and horizontally extending to the third rotaryhinge hole while having two-wave type of bending when rotating eachtime; a third fixed hinge part which encloses the third hinge spring,which has a third fixed hinge hole corresponding to the third rotaryhinge hole, and which has a third fixed hinge surface formed on a sidethereof to be corresponding to the third rotary hinge surface and athird fixed hinge projection formed on the other side thereof to befixed to the body; and a third hinge shaft extending through the thirdfixed hinge hole, the third rotary hinge hole and the third hinge springto be fixed to the third hinge chamber.

Furthermore, the third hinge chamber opens at a side thereof, whichincludes a third guide recess formed from an opened end to an interiorthereof, and the third hinge part includes: a third hinge spring whichis installed to the third hinge chamber; a third rotary hinge part whichis inserted in the third hinge chamber to enclose the third hingespring, which has a third rotary hinge hole formed at a center portionthereof, and which has a third rotary hinge projection formed on anouter surface to be combined to the third guide recess and a third plainrotary hinge surface; a third fixed hinge part which encloses the thirdfixed hinge part, which has a third fixed hinge hole corresponding tothe third rotary hinge hole, and which has a third fixed hinge surfaceformed on a side thereof to be corresponding to the third rotary hingesurface and a third fixed hinge projection formed on the other side tobe fixed to the body; and a third hinge shaft extending through thethird fixed hinge hole, the third rotary hinge hole and the third hingespring to be fixed to the third hinge chamber.

The third hinge chamber opens at a top portion thereof, which has athird hinge chamber hole formed at a side thereof and a third guiderecess formed lengthwise on an inner surface, and the third hinge partincludes: a third hinge spring which is installed in the third hingechamber; a third rotary hinge part which is inserted in the third hingechamber to enclose the third hinge spring, which has a third hingespring hole formed at a center portion thereof, and which a third rotaryhinge projection formed on an outer surface thereof to be combined withthe third guide recess and a third rotary hinge surface formed at a sidethereof; a third fixed hinge part which encloses the third fixed hingepart, which has a third fixed hinge hole corresponding to the thirdrotary hinge hole, and which has a third fixed hinge surface formed at aside thereof to be corresponding to the third rotary hinge surface and athird fixed hinge projection formed on the other side thereof to befixed to the body; and a third hinge shaft extending through the thirdfixed hinge hole, the third rotary hinge hole and the third hinge springto be fixed to the third hinge chamber.

The third hinge chamber opens at a top portion thereof, which has athird hinge chamber hole formed at a side thereof and which has a thirdguide recess including a horizontal groove formed lengthwise on an innersurface thereof and a vertical groove being normal to the horizontalgroove to be connected to the opening, and the third hinge partincludes: a third hinge spring which is installed to the third hingechamber; a third hinge part which is inserted in the third hinge chamberto enclose the third hinge spring, which has a third rotary hinge holeformed at a center portion thereof, and which has a third rotary hingeprojection formed on an outer surface thereof to be combined to thethird guide groove and which has a third rotary hinge surface formed ata surface; a third fixed hinge part which encloses the third fixed hingepart, which has a third fixed hinge hole corresponding to the thirdrotary hinge hole, and which has a third fixed hinge surface formed on aside thereof to be corresponding to the third rotary hinge surface and athird fixed hinge projection formed on the other side to be fixed to thebody; and a third hinge shaft extending through the third fixed hingehole, the third rotary hinge hole and the third hinge sealing to befixed to the third hinge chamber.

Further, the third hinge part includes: a third hinge housing which hasa third hinge housing chamber with an opened top portion, which has athird guide groove formed lengthwise on a side wall thereof, and whichhas a third hinge housing formed at a side thereof and a third hingesealing projection formed at the other side thereof; a third rotaryhinge part which is installed to the third hinge housing, which has athird rotary hinge projection formed on an outer surface to be insertedin the third guide recess and a third hinge hole formed at a centerportion thereof, and which has a third rotary hinge surface continuouslyand horizontally extending to the third hinge hole while having two-wavetype of bending when rotating each time; a third fixed hinge part whichis rotatably installed to the third hinge housing, which has a thirdfixed hinge surface formed at a side thereof to be corresponding to thethird rotary hinge surface, which has a third hinge shaft formed on thethird fixed hinge surface to be inserted in the third rotary hinge hole,and which has a third fixed hinge projection formed at the other sidethereof to be inserted in the third hinge housing hole; and a thirdhinge sealing which is installed to the third hinge housing so that anend of the third hinge sealing is combined to the third hinge sealingprojection and the other end elastically supports the second rotaryhinge part.

Meanwhile, the hinge mechanism of portable phone according to thepresent invention comprises: a fourth housing which includes a fourthrotary chamber with an opened top portion, for mechanically connecting acover to a body; a fourth hinge part which is installed to the fourthhinge chamber, for opening and closing the cover; and a fourth rotarypart which is installed to the fourth rotary chamber, for rotating thecover, wherein the fourth rotary part includes: a fourth cylinder whichhas a fourth cylinder chamber with an opened bottom and a fourthcylinder hole formed in an upper surface thereof, which has a fourth armprojected from an upper portion thereof to be combined with the cover,and which has a fourth cylinder groove formed lengthwise on an outersurface thereof; a fourth compressed sealing which is installed to thefourth cylinder chamber; a fourth rotary slip part which has a fourthrotary slip hole formed at a center portion thereof, which has a fourthrotary slip projection formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof tobe combined to the fourth cylinder groove and a pair of fourth rotaryslip surface projected from a bottom surface thereof to be opposite toeach other around the fourth rotary slip hole, and which has a fourthrotary plain surface formed at the upper portion thereof; a fourth fixedslip part which has a fourth polygonal hole at a center portion thereof,and which has a fourth fixed slip surface corresponding to the fourthrotary slip surface and a fourth fixed plain surface corresponding tothe fourth rotary plain surface; a fourth center shaft which has afourth polygonal projection formed at a lower portion thereof to becombined to the fourth polygonal hole, and which is vertically installedto a bottom surface of the fourth rotary chamber to sequentially extendthe fourth polygonal hole, the fourth rotary slip hole, the fourthcompressed spring and the fourth cylinder hole.

A fourth cylinder projection is formed at a bottom surface of the fourthcylinder, and a fourth stopping groove is formed at a bottom of thefourth rotary chamber, in which the fourth cylinder projection isinserted to stop the fourth cylinder at an initial position or at aposition of being turned at 180 degree.

The fourth arm projection is formed at a bottom surface of the fourtharm, and a fourth housing stopping groove is formed on an upper surfaceof the fourth housing, in which the fourth arm projection is inserted tostop the fourth cylinder at an initial position or at a position ofbeing turned at 180 degree.

A fourth screw part is formed at an end of the fourth center shaft, withwhich a fourth nut is associated to fix the fourth center shaft to thefourth cylinder.

The fourth hinge part includes: a fourth hinge housing which has afourth hinge housing chamber with an opened upper portion, which has afourth guide groove formed lengthwise on an inner surface thereof, andwhich has a fourth hinge housing hole formed at a side thereof and afourth hinge sealing projection formed at the other side thereof; afourth rotary hinge part which is installed to the fourth hinge housing,which has a fourth rotary hinge projection formed on an outer surface tobe inserted in the fourth guide groove and a fourth rotary hinge holeformed at a center thereof, and which has a fourth rotary hinge surfacecontinuously and horizontally extending to the fourth rotary hinge holewhile having two-wave type of bending when rotating each time; a fourthfixed hinge part which is rotatably installed to the fourth hingehousing, which has the fourth rotary hinge surface formed at a sidethereof to be corresponding to the fourth rotary hinge surface, whichhas a fourth hinge shaft formed on the fourth fixed hinge surface to beinserted in the fourth rotary hinge hole, and which has a fourth fixedhinge projection formed on the other surface thereof to be inserted inthe fourth hinge housing hole; and which has a fourth hinge springinstalled to the fourth hinge housing so that one end of the fourthhinge spring is combined to the fourth hinge spring and the other endelastically supports the fourth rotary hinge part.

The hinge mechanism of portable phone according to the present inventioncomprises: a fifth housing which includes a fifth rotary chamber with anopened upper portion, which has a fifth screw hole formed at a bottomsurface thereof and fifth polygonal projections formed around the fifthscrew hole, and a fifth hinge chamber formed at a side thereof, formechanically connecting a cover to a body; a fifth hinge part which isinstalled to the fifth hinge chamber, for opening and closing the cover;and a fifth rotary part which is installed to the fifth rotary chamber,for rotating the cover, wherein the fifth rotary part includes: a fifthcylinder which has a fifth cylinder chamber with an opened lowerportion, which has a fifth cylinder hole formed on an upper surfacethereof and a fifth arm projected from an upper portion to be combinedwith the cover, and which has a fifth cylinder hole formed longwise onan outer surface; a fifth compressed spring which is installed in thefifth cylinder chamber; a fifth slip member which has a fifth rotaryslip projection formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof to beinserted in the fifth cylinder hole, and which is installed to the fifthcylinder chamber and supported by means of the fifth compressed springto rotate the fifth cylinder by sliding action; and a fifth center shaftwhich has a fifth head portion formed at an upper portion and a fifthscrew portion formed at a lower portion, and which sequentially extendsthe fifth cylinder hole, the fifth compressed spring and the fifth slipmember to be combined to the fifth screw hole.

The fifth slip member includes: a fifth slip part which has a fifthrotary slip hole formed at a center portion thereof and also a fifthrotary slip projection formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof tobe combined to the fifth cylinder groove, and which continuously andhorizontally extends to the fifth rotary slip hole while having two-wavetype of bending when rotating each time; and a fifth fixed slip partwhich has a fifth polygonal hole, in which the fifth polygonalprojection is inserted, formed at a center portion thereof and which hasa fifth fixed slip surface formed on an upper surface to becorresponding to the fifth rotary slip surface.

The fifth slip member includes: a fifth rotary slip part which has afifth rotary slip hole formed at a center portion thereof and a fifthrotary slip projection formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof tobe combined to the fifth cylinder hole, and which has a fifth plainrotary slip surface formed at a bottom surface thereof; and a fifthfixed slip part which has a fifth polygonal hole, in which the fifthpolygonal projection is inserted, formed at a center portion thereof andwhich has a fifth fixed slip surface formed on an upper portion to becorresponding to the fifth rotary slip surface.

The fifth slip member includes: a fifth rotary slip part which has afifth rotary slip hole formed at a center portion thereof, which has afifth rotary slip projection formed on an outer peripheral surfacethereof to be combined to the fifth cylinder hole and a pair of fifthrotary slip surfaces formed at a bottom surface thereof to be oppositeto each other about the fifth rotary slip hole, and which has a fifthrotary plain surface formed at an upper portion of the fifth rotary slipsurface; and a fifth fixed slip part which has a fifth polygonal hole,in which a fifth polygonal projection is inserted, formed at a centerportion thereof and which has a fifth fixed slip surface correspondingto the fifth rotary slip surface and a fifth fixed plain surfacecorresponding to the fifth rotary plain surface.

A fifth head portion of the fifth center shaft has a fifth instrumenthole, in which an instrument is inserted, formed on an upper surfacethereof and a fifth washer formed at a lower surface thereof.

The fifth hinge part includes: a fifth hinge housing which has a fifthhinge housing chamber with an opened upper portion, which has a fifthguide groove formed lengthwise in an inner surface, and which has afifth hinge housing hole formed at a side thereof and a fifth hingeprojection formed on the other side thereof; a fifth rotary hinge partwhich is installed at the fifth hinge housing, which has a fifth rotaryhinge projection formed on an outer surface to be inserted in the fifthguide recess, which has a fifth hinge hole formed at a center portionthereof, and which has a fifth rotary hinge surface continuously andhorizontally extending to the fifth rotary hinge hole while havingtwo-wave type of bending when rotating each time; a fifth fixed hingepart which is rotatably installed to the fifth hinge housing, which hasa fifth fixed hinge surface formed at a side thereof to be correspondingto the fifth rotary hinge surface and a fifth hinge shaft formed on thefifth fixed hinge surface to be inserted in the fifth hinge housinghole; and a fifth hinge spring which is installed to the fifth hingehousing so that one end of the fifth hinge spring is combined to thefifth hinge spring projection and the other end is inserted in the fifthhinge housing to elastically support the fifth rotary hinge part.

The hinge mechanism of portable phone according to the present inventioncomprises: a sixth housing including a sixth rotary chamber with anopened upper portion, and a sixth fixing groove which is formed at abottom surface and in which a sixth housing polygonal hole is formed,which has a sixth hinge part is installed at a side thereof to open andclose a cover, for mechanically connecting the cover to a body; a sixthcylinder which has a sixth cylinder chamber with an opened lowerportion, which has a sixth cylinder hole formed on an upper surface anda sixth arm projected form an upper portion to be combined with thecover, and which has a sixth cylinder groove formed lengthwise in aninner surface thereof; a sixth compressed spring which is installed inthe sixth cylinder chamber; a sixth slip member which has a sixth rotaryslip projection formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof to beinserted in the sixth cylinder groove, and which is installed in thesixth cylinder chamber to be supported by means of the sixth compressedspring so as to rotate the sixth cylinder by sliding action; and a sixthcenter shaft which has a sixth polygonal projection formed at an upperportion thereof to be inserted in the sixth housing polygonal hole,which has a sixth head portion formed at the sixth polygonal projection,and which sequentially extends through the sixth housing polygonal hole,the sixth slip member and the sixth cylinder hole to be fixed to thesixth fixed groove.

The sixth slip member includes: a sixth rotary slip part which has asixth rotary slip hole formed at a center portion thereof and a sixthrotary slip projection formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof tobe combined to the sixth cylinder groove, and which has a sixth rotaryslip surface continuously and horizontally extending to the sixth rotaryslip hole while having two-wave type of bending when rotating each time;and a sixth fixed slip part which has a sixth polygonal hole, in whichthe sixth polygonal projection is inserted, formed at a center portionthereof and which has a sixth fixed slip surface corresponding to thesixth rotary slip wave surface.

The sixth slip member includes: a sixth rotary slip part which has asixth rotary slip hole formed at a center portion thereof, which has asixth rotary slip projection formed on an outer peripheral surfacethereof to be combined to the sixth cylinder groove and a sixth plainrotary slip surface at a bottom portion thereof, and which has a pair ofsixth rotary hemispheric groove formed on the sixth rotary slip surface;a sixth fixed slip part which has a sixth polygonal hole, in which thesixth polygonal projection is inserted, formed at a center portionthereof, which has a sixth fixed slip surface formed on an upper surfaceto be corresponding to the sixth rotary slip surface, and which has asixth fixed hemispheric groove formed on the sixth fixed slip surface tobe corresponding to the sixth rotary hemispheric groove; and a sixthball which is inserted in the sixth rotary hemispheric groove and thesixth fixed hemispheric groove.

The sixth slip member includes: a sixth rotary slip part which has asixth rotary slip hole formed at a center portion thereof, which has asixth rotary slip projection formed on an outer peripheral surface to becombined to the sixth cylinder groove and a pair of sixth rotary slipsurfaces formed on a bottom surface thereof to be opposite to each otherabout the sixth rotary slip hole, and a sixth rotary slip part which hasa rotary plain surface formed at an upper portion of the sixth rotaryslip surface; and a sixth fixed slip part which has a sixth polygonalhole, in which the sixth polygonal projection is inserted, formed at acenter portion thereof, and which has a sixth fixed slip surfacecorresponding to the sixth rotary slip surface and a sixth fixed plainsurface corresponding to the sixth rotary plain surface.

A sixth cutoff portion is formed on an upper surface of the sixthhousing, through which a wire enters the sixth rotary chamber toelectrically connect the cover to the body.

A sixth circuit pathway extends through the sixth housing from the sixthrotary chamber laterally.

A sixth screw hole is formed at a lower portion of the sixth centershaft, to which a sixth screw is combined to fix the sixth cylinder tothe sixth center shaft.

A sixth instrument recess is formed on an upper surface of the sixthscrew, to which a rotary instrument is combined, and a sixth washer isdisposed between the sixth cylinder and the sixth screw.

A sixth pin hole is formed on an outer peripheral surface of an upperregion of the sixth center shaft, to which a sixth pin is joined to fixthe sixth cylinder to the sixth center shaft.

A sixth position fixing hole is formed in the sixth fixing groove, and asixth position fixing projection is formed at the sixth head portion tobe inserted in the sixth position fixing hole.

The sixth hinge part includes: a sixth hinge housing which has a sixthhinge housing chamber with an opened upper portion, which has a sixthguide recess formed longwise on an inner surface thereof, and which hasa sixth hinge housing hole formed at a side thereof and a sixth hingespring projection formed at the other side thereof; a sixth rotary hingepart which is installed to the sixth hinge housing, which has a sixthrotary hinge projection formed on an outer surface to be inserted in thesixth guide recess, which has a sixth rotary hinge hole formed at acenter portion thereof, and which has a sixth rotary hinge surfacecontinuously and horizontally extending to the sixth rotary hinge holewhile having two-wave type of bending when rotating each time; a sixthfixed hinge part which is rotatably installed to the sixth hingehousing, which has a sixth fixed hinge surface corresponding to thesixth rotary hinge surface, which has a sixth fixed hinge surface formedon a side thereof to be corresponding to the sixth rotary hinge surface,which has a sixth hinge shaft formed on the sixth fixed hinge surface tobe inserted in the sixth rotary hinge hole, and which a sixth fixedhinge projection formed on the other side thereof to be inserted in thesixth hinge housing hole; and a sixth hinge spring which is installed tothe sixth hinge housing so that one end of the sixth hinge spring iscombined to the sixth hinge spring and the other end elasticallysupports the sixth rotary hinge part.

The hinge mechanism of portable phone according to the present inventioncomprises: a seventh housing which is installed at a side thereof toopen and close a cover so as to mechanically connect the cover to abody; a seventh fixed cylindrical part which is projected from an uppersurface of the seventh housing, which has a pair of seventh groovesformed at a position opposite thereto on an outer peripheral surfacethereof, and which has a seventh guide groove connecting the seventhgrooves to each other; a seventh rotary cylindrical part which isrotatably combined to the seventh fixed cylindrical part, which has aseventh center hole in which the seventh fixed cylindrical part, whichhas a pair of seventh arms formed at a position opposite thereto on anouter peripheral surface thereof, which has a seventh spring chamberformed lengthwise on the seventh arm, and which has a seventh connectinghole to connect the seventh spring chamber to the seventh center hole; aseventh moving member which is movably inserted in the seventh springchamber, and which has a seventh projection extending through theseventh connecting hole so as to be inserted in the seventh groove; anda seventh compressed spring which is inserted in the seventh springchamber to elastically urge the seventh moving member to the seventhcenter hole.

Preferably, the seventh groove and seventh projection have a hemisphericshape.

A seventh annular groove is formed on an outer peripheral surface of anupper portion of the seventh fixed cylindrical part, and a seventhsealing is seated in the seventh annular groove to fix the seventhrotary cylindrical part to the seventh fixed cylindrical part.

A seven washer is disposed between the seventh rotary cylindrical partand the seventh sealing.

A seventh circuit pathway is formed at a side of the seventh housing tobe communicated with the seventh cylindrical part.

The seventh hinge part includes: a seventh hinge housing which has aseventh hinge housing chamber with an opened upper portion, which hasthe seventh guide recess formed lengthwise on an inner surface thereof,which has a seventh hinge housing formed at a side thereof, and whichhas a seventh hinge spring projection formed on the other side thereof;a seventh rotary hinge part which is installed to the seventh hingehousing, which has a seventh rotary hinge projection formed on an outerperipheral surface thereof to be inserted in the seventh guide recess,which has a seventh rotary hinge hole formed at a center portionthereof, and which has a seventh rotary hinge surface continuously andhorizontally extending to the seventh rotary hinge hole while havingtwo-wave type of bending when rotating each time; a seventh fixed hingepart which is rotatably installed to the seventh hinge housing, whichhas a seventh fixed hinge surface formed at a side thereof to becorresponding to the seventh rotary hinge surface, which has a seventhhinge shaft formed on the seventh fixed hinge surface to be inserted inthe seventh rotary hinge hole, and which has a seventh fixed hingeprojection formed on the other side thereof to be inserted in theseventh hinge housing hole; and a seventh hinge spring which isinstalled to the seventh hinge housing so that one end of the seventhhinge spring is combined to the seventh hinge spring and the other endelastically supports the seventh rotary hinge part.

The hinge mechanism of portable phone according to the present inventioncomprises: a housing which has an eighth rotary chamber of which aneighth hinge part is installed at a side to open and close a cover, withan opened upper portion, for mechanically connecting the cover to abody; an eighth center shaft which has an eighth peripheral grooveformed on an outer peripheral surface thereof, which has an eighthmoving member installed in the eighth peripheral groove so as to beelastically supported, and which is fixed to a bottom surface of theeighth rotary chamber; an eighth cylinder which has an eighth cylinderchamber with an opened lower portion, which has an eighth cylinder holeformed on an upper surface thereof, which has an eighth cylinder grooveformed on an inner peripheral surface thereof in which the eighth movingmember is inserted, and which is rotatably installed to the eighthcenter shaft; and an eighth arm which is joined to an upper end of theeighth cylinder to be connected to the cover.

An eighth spring hole is formed in the eighth peripheral groove of theeighth center shaft, in which an eighth center shaft spring is installedin the eighth spring hole to elastically support the eighth movingmember.

A bending portion is formed at a surface of the eighth moving member,and an eighth spring projection is formed at the other surface of theeighth moving member in which the eighth center shaft spring isinserted.

The eighth cylinder groove is formed in a concave shape along a lengthof the eighth cylinder, and an eighth bending portion is formed on asurface of the eighth moving member to be corresponding to the eighthcylinder groove while an eighth spring projection is formed at the othersurface of the eighth moving member, in which the eighth center shaftspring is inserted.

The hinge mechanism of portable phone according to the present inventionfurther comprises an eighth compressed spring installed in an upper endsurface of the eighth center shaft and an inner surface of the eighthcylinder.

An eighth post is projected from an upper end of the eighth center shaftin which an eighth pin hole is perforated, and wherein an eighth pin isinserted in the eighth pin hole so that the eight cylinder is fixed tothe eighth center shaft.

The eighth hinge part includes: an eighth hinge housing which has aneighth hinge housing chamber with an opened upper portion, which has aneighth guide groove formed lengthwise in a surface thereof, and whichhas an eighth hinge housing hole formed at a side thereof and an eighthhinge spring projection formed on the other surface thereof; an eighthrotary hinge part which is installed to the eighth hinge housing, whichhas an eighth rotary hinge projection formed on an outer surface to beinserted in the eighth guide recess and an eighth rotary hinge holeformed at a center portion thereof, and which has an eighth rotary hingesurface continuously and horizontally extending to the eighth rotaryhinge hole while having two-wave type of bending when rotating eachtime; an eighth fixed hinge part which is rotatably installed to theeighth hinge housing, which has an eighth fixed hinge surface formed ata surface thereof to be corresponding to the eighth rotary hingesurface, which has an eighth hinge shaft formed on the eighth fixedhinge surface to be inserted in the eighth rotary hinge hole, and whichhas an eighth fixed hinge projection formed at the other surface thereofto be inserted in the eighth hinge housing hole; and an eighth hingespring which is installed to the eighth hinge housing so that the oneend of the eighth hinge spring is combined to the eighth hinge springprojection and the other end elastically supports the eighth rotaryhinge part.

A camera lens is attached to an inner surface or outer surface of thecover to take a picture, and wherein a control switch is installed to aside of the body to control an operation of the camera lens.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become moreapparent from the following description taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge mechanism of aportable phone according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 1, in which a first slip member is shown;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 1, which shows the combination of the hinge mechanism.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a first hingepart in the hinge mechanism of the portable phone according to the firstembodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 4, which shows the combination of the hinge mechanism;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of another example of the firsthinge part in the hinge mechanism of the portable phone according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 6, which shows the combination of the hinge mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the portable phone to which the hingemechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention isapplied, in which a cover is closed to a body of the portable phone;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the portable phone as shown in FIG. 8,in which the cover is opened;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the portable phone as shown in FIG. 8,in which the cover rotates at an angle of 90 degree to the body of theportable phone;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the portable phone as shown in FIG. 8,in which the cover turns reversely at an angle of 180 degree;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the portable phone as shown in FIG. 8,in which the reversed cover is closed;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a hinge mechanism of a portable phoneaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a second hingepart in the hinge mechanism of the portable phone according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of another example of the secondhinge part and a second rotary part in the hinge mechanism of theportable phone according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a second housing of the hinge mechanism of theportable phone according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge mechanism of aportable phone according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of an example of a third hing part in thehinge mechanism of the portable phone according to the third embodimentof the present invention as shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 18, which shows the combination of the hinge mechanism;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of another example of the third hinge partand a third hinge chamber in the hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 20, which shows the combination of the hinge mechanism;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of another example of the third hingechamber in the hinge mechanism of the portable phone according to thethird embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 22, which shows the combination of the hinge mechanism;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge mechanism of aportable phone according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to the fourth embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 24, which shows the combination of the hinge mechanism;

FIG. 26 is a plan view of a fourth housing in the hinge mechanism of theportable phone according to the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 24, which shows the combination of the hingemechanism;

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge mechanism of aportable phone according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of an example of a fifth rotary part in thehinge mechanism of the portable phone according to the fifth embodimentof the present invention as shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a sectional view of another example of the fifth rotary partin the hinge mechanism of the portable phone according to the fifthembodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to the fifth embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 29, which shows the combination of the hinge mechanism;

FIG. 31 is a plan view of a fifth housing in the hinge mechanism of theportable phone according to the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge mechanism of aportable phone according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge mechanism of theportable phone according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 32, in which the hinge mechanism is shown ina view of rotating the hinge mechanism at an angle of 180 degree;

FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of a sixth hige part in thehinge mechanism of the portable phone according to the sixth embodimentof the present invention as shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to the sixth embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 32, which shows the combination of the hinge mechanism;

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a sixth rotaryslip part and a sixth fixed slip part in the hinge mechanism of theportable phone according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of another example of the sixthrotary slip part and the sixth fixed slip part in the hinge mechanism ofthe portable phone according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a sixth centershaft in the hinge mechanism of the portable phone according to thesixth embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of a process of assembling thehinge mechanism with a body of the portable phone according to the sixthembodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge mechanism of aportable phone according to a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 41 is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to the seventh embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 40, which shows the combination of the hinge mechanism;

FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge mechanism of aportable phone according to an eighth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of assembling of the hinge mechanism ofthe portable phone according to the eighth embodiment of the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a sectional view of the combination of the hinge mechanism ofthe portable phone according to the eighth embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view of a process of assembling thehinge mechanism with a body of the portable phone according to theeighth embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 45.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a hinge mechanism of a portable phone according to theembodiments of the present invention will be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

Like reference numerals indicate the same structural element. Adescription regarding the same operation of the element in the hingemechanism will be omitted.

The First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a hinge mechanism of a portable phone according to a firstembodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge mechanism of theportable phone according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a first slip member of thehinge mechanism shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view of thecombination of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 1.

The hinge mechanism includes a first housing 1100 for mechanicallyconnecting a cover 200 to a body 100 of the portable phone, a firstrotary part 1200 which is installed to a first rotary chamber 1110formed in the first housing 1100, for turning the cover 200 reversely,and a first hinge part 1300 which is installed in the first hingechamber 1120, for opening and closing the cover 200.

A first cutoff 1130 is formed in the first housing 1100, through which awire enters the first rotary chamber 1110 to electrically connect thecover 200 to the body 100 of the portable phone. A pair of firststoppers 1111 is formed at an angle of about 180 degree on an innersurface of the first rotary chamber 1110.

The first hinge chamber 1120 opens at a side thereof, in which a pair offirst guide grooves 1121 is formed in parallel in a sidewall. Further, afirst connecting hole 1140 is formed in an inner sidewall of the firsthinge chamber 1120 to be communicated with the first hinge chamber 1120.

The first rotary part 1200 includes a first cylinder 1210 fixed to thecover 200, a first compressed spring 1220 which is inserted in the firstcylinder 1210, a first slip member 1230 which is inserted in the firstcylinder 1210 while compressing the first compressed spring, a firstcenter shaft 1240 for supporting the first cylinder 1210, and a firstsealing 1250 for fixing the first cylinder 1210 to the first centershaft 1240.

A first cylinder chamber 1211 is formed in the first cylinder 1210,which has an opened lower portion. Further, a cylinder hole 1212 isformed on an upper surface of the first cylinder 1210, through which thefirst center shaft 1240 extends. A first arm 1214 is projected from anupper portion of the first cylinder 1210 to be joined to the cover 200.The first arm 1213 is joined to the cover 200 by means of a joint membersuch as a screw and the like. Furthermore, a pair of leaf springinserting holes 1214 is formed at both sides of the first cylinder 1210.Also, a first cylinder projection is formed on an outer peripheralsurface of the first cylinder 1210 to restrict a rotation of the cover200. The first stopper 1111 is latched by means of the first cylinderprojection to prevent the rotation thereof. Thus, the first cylinder1210 can be rotated about the first center shaft 1240 within a range ofan angle of about 180 degree, repeatedly. As the rotation of the firstcylinder 1210 is limited at the angle of about 180 degree, the wireconnecting the cover 100 to the body 100 can be prevented from beingtwisted. Meanwhile, in order to prevent the wire from being twisted, apair of first cylinder projections 1215 can be projected from both sidesof the first cylinder 1210, while one first stopper 1111 may be formedin the inner surface of the first rotary chamber 1110.

In addition, in order to prevent the wire from being twisted, the firstcylinder 1210 is preferably designed to be at a desired distance apartfrom the inner surface of the first rotary chamber 1110 when the firstcylinder 1210 is assembled with the first rotary chamber 1110.

As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of leaf spring installing holes 1232 isformed on both sides of the first slip member 1230, in which a pair ofleaf springs 1234 is fixedly inserted. A leaf spring projection 1235 isformed at an intermediate portion of the leaf spring 1234 which isinserted in the leaf spring installing hole 1232. Further, a first sliphole 1231 is formed at a center portion of the first slip member 1230,in which the first center shaft 1240 is inserted. A first slip groove1233 is formed at a side of the first slip hole 1231. The leaf spring1234 may be substituted with a linear spring or a projection having anelastic body.

The first center shaft 1240 is projected upwardly from a bottom surfaceof the first rotary chamber 1110. The first center shaft 1240 may beintegrated with the first rotary chamber 1110 or it may be formedseparately from the first rotary chamber 1110. A first annular groove1242 is formed at an end of the first center shaft 1240 of which on anouter peripheral surface formed is a first center shaft projection 1241which is inserted in the first slip groove 1233. Thus, the first slippart 1230 is fixed to the first center shaft 1240, which is preventedfrom rotating in the first rotary chamber 1110 by means of the firstcenter shaft projection 1241.

The first sealing 1250 is seated in the first annular groove at an upperportion of the first cylinder 1210. Meanwhile, a first washer 1260 isdisposed between the first cylinder 1210 and the first sealing 1250.

Furthermore, the first hinge part 1300 includes a first hinge spring1310, a first rotary hinge part 1320, a first fixed hinge part 1330, afirst hinge shaft 1340 and a first fixing ring 1350.

The first hinge spring 1310 is inserted in the first hinge chamber 1120.

The first rotary hinge part 1390 is inserted in the first hinge chamber1120 from the outside of the first hinge spring 1310. A first rotaryhinge hole 1321 is formed at a center portion of the first rotary hingepart 1320. A pair of first rotary hinge projection 1323 is formed on anouter peripheral surface of the first rotary hinge part 1320 to becombined with a first guide recess 1121 which is formed in the firsthinge chamber 1120. Furthermore, a first rotary hinge surface 1322 isformed on a surface of the first rotary hinge part 1320 to continuouslyand horizontally extend to the first rotary hinge hole 1321 while havingtwo-wave type of bending when rotating each time.

The first fixed hinge part 1330 is disposed outside of the first rotaryhinge part 1320. A first fixed hinge hole 1331 is formed at a centerportion of the first fixed hinge part 1330 to be corresponding to thefirst rotary hinge hole 1321. Further, a first fixed hinge surface 1332is formed at the first fixed hinge part 1330 to face the first rotaryhinge surface 1322. A first fixed hinge projection 1333 is formed on asurface of the first fixed hinge part 1330 to be fixed to the body 100.

The first hinge shaft 1340 extends through the first fixed hinge hole1331, the first rotary hinge hole 1321, the first hinge spring 1310 andthe first connecting hole 1140 so as to be installed in the first hingechamber 1120. A first fixing groove 1342 is formed at a leading end ofthe first hinge shaft 1340, and a head portion of the first hinge shaft1340 is formed at an opposite end. The first head portion 1341 preventsthe first fixed hinge part 1330 from being released from the secondhinge chamber 2120.

The first fixing ring 1350 is combined with the first fixing groove 1342in the first rotary chamber 1110 to fix the first hinge shaft 1340 tothe first hinge chamber 1120.

In the conventional portable phone, a liquid crystal display 210 turnsoff when the cover 200 is closed to the body 100. To the contrary, theportable phone of the present invention has a sensor and a controllerturning on the liquid crystal display 210 even if the cover 200 isclosed to the body 100 in the state of turning the cover 200 reverselyin order for the liquid crystal display to be exposed outside.

On the other hand, the first hinge part and the first housing are notlimited to the structure described above, which can be modified invariety.

Hereinafter, another example of the first hinge part and the firsthousing will be described.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of another example of the firsthinge part in the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is asectional view of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 4, which shows thecombination of the hinge mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first cutoff portion 1130 is formed in the firsthousing 1100, through which a wire enters the first rotary chamber 1110to electrically connect the cover 200 to the body 100. The pair of thefirst stopper 1111 is formed at an angle of about 180 degree in thefirst rotary chamber 1110. Further, a first hinge chamber hole 1123 isformed at an end surface of the first hinge chamber 1120 which has anopened upper portion (a first opening portion 1122).

The first hinge part 1300 includes a first hinge spring 1310, a firstrotary hinge part 1320 and a first fixed hinge part 1330.

The first hinge spring 1310 provides elasticity to the first rotaryhinge part 1320 and the second fixed hinge part 2330, which is insertedin the first hinge chamber 1120 through the first opening portion 1122of the first housing 1100.

The first hinge part 1320 is cooperated with the first fixed hinge part1330 to perform opening and closing of the cover 200.

The first rotary hinge part 1320 is designed not to rotate in the firsthinge chamber 1120. Further, a first rotary hinge hole 1321 is formed ata center portion of the first rotary hinge part 1320. A first rotaryhinge surface 1322 is formed on a side of the first hinge chamber 1120to continuously and horizontally extends to the firs rotary hinge hole1321 while having two-wave type of bending when rotating each time. Suchfirst rotary hinge part 1320 is installed outside of the first hingespring 1310.

The first fixed hinge part 1330 is not restricted when the first hingechamber 1120 rotates. Furthermore, a first hinge shaft 1340 is formed ona side of the first fixed hinge part 1330, which is inserted in thefirst rotary hinge hole 1321 and the first hinge spring 1310 and inwhich a first fixed hinge surface 1332 is formed to be corresponding tothe first rotary hinge surface 1322. Further, a first fixed hingeprojection 1333 is formed on the other side of the first fixed hingepart 1330, which extends through the first hinge chamber hole 1123formed in the first hinge chamber 1120 to be fixed to the body 100. Suchfirst fixed hinge part 1330 is installed outside of the first rotaryhinge part 1320 to the first hinge chamber 1120.

The first hinge spring 1310, the first rotary hinge part 1320 and thefirst fixed hinge part 1330 are inserted through the first openingportion 1122 of the first housing 1100 in and assembled with the firsthinge chamber 1120.

The first rotary hinge part 1320 reciprocates slidably in the firsthinge chamber 1120, which rotates along with the first housing 1100.

Since the first hinge shaft 1340 of the first fixed hinge part 1330 isinserted in the first rotary hinge hole 1321 of the first rotary hingepart 1320, the first rotary hinge surface 1322 can be stably combinedwith the first fixed hinge surface 1332. Further, as the first fixedhinge projection 1333 is fixed to the body 100, the first fixed hingepart 1330 do not rotate.

Hereinafter, another example of the first hinge part and the firsthousing will be described in detail.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of another example of the firsthinge part in the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is asectional view of the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 6, which shows thecombination of the hinge mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first cutoff portion 1130 is formed in the firsthousing 1100, through which a wire enters the first rotary chamber 1110to electrically connect the cover 200 to the body 100. The pair of thefirst stopper 1111 is formed at an angle of about 180 degree in thefirst rotary chamber 1110. Further, the first hinge chamber 1120 has anopened side, of which on an inner surface a pair of first guide recess1121 is formed in parallel.

The first hinge part 1300 includes a first hinge shaft 1340, a firsthinge spring 1310, a first rotary hinge part 1320, a first fixed hingepart 1330 and a first fixing ring 1350.

The first hinge shaft 1340 is an element to support the hinge spring1310, the first rotary hinge part 1320 and the first fixed hinge part1330, which is projected outwardly form the inner surface of the firsthinge chamber 1120. Further, a first fixing groove 1342 is formed at aleading end of the first hinge shaft 1340.

The first hinge spring 1310 is an element to provide elasticity to thefirst rotary hinge part 1320 and the second fixed hinge part 2330, whichis inserted through the first hinge shaft 1340 in the first hingechamber 1120.

The first rotary hinge hole 1321 is formed at a center portion of thefirst rotary hinge part 1320. A first rotary hinge projection 1323 isformed on an outer peripheral surface of the first rotary hinge part1320 to be combined with the first guide recess 1121. Furthermore, afirst rotary hinge surface 1322 is formed at a side of the first rotaryhinge part 1320 to continuously and horizontally extends to the firstrotary hinge hole 1321 while having two-wave type of bending whenrotating each time. Such first rotary hinge part 1320 is installedoutside of the first hinge spring 1310 in the first hinge chamber 1120.

The first fixed hinge part 1330 has a shape in order to rotate in thefirst hinge chamber 1120. Further, a first fixed hinge hole 1331 isformed at a center portion of the first fixed hinge part 1330 to becorresponding to the first rotary hinge hole 1321. A first fixed hingesurface 1332 is formed on a side of the first fixed hinge part 1330 tobe corresponding to the first rotary hinge surface 1322. A first fixedhinge projection 1333 is formed at the other side of the first fixedhinge part 1330 to be fixed to the body 100.

The first fixing ring 1350 is a member to fix the first rotary hingepart 1320 and the first fixed hinge part 1330 to the first hinge shaft1340, which is combined to the first fixing groove 1342 outside of thefirst fixed hinge projection 1333.

Hereinafter, an operation of the hinge mechanism of the portable phoneconstructed as described above will be described in detail.

The hinge mechanism shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 is operated such as the hingemechanism shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the hinge mechanism shown inFIG. 1 will be described.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the portable phone to which the hingemechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention isapplied, in which the cover is open, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of theportable phone shown in FIG. 8, in which the cover is open, FIG. 10 is aperspective view of the portable phone shown in FIG. 8, in which thecover is open, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the portable phone shownin FIG. 8, in which the cover turns reversely, and FIG. 12 is aperspective view of the portable phone shown in FIG. 8, in which thereversely turned cover is closed.

In the hinge mechanism, as shown in FIG. 3, the first center shaft 1240which is formed in the first rotary chamber 1110 of the first housing1100 extends through a first slip hole 1231 of the first slip member1230, the first compressed spring 1220, a first cylinder hole 1212 ofthe first cylinder 1210 and the first washer 1260 to be fixed by meansof the first sealing to the hinge mechanism. That is, all elements asmentioned above are combined with the first center shaft 1240.

Further, since the first center shaft projection 1241 of the firstcenter shaft is jointed to the first slip groove 1233, the first slipmember 1230 is fixed to the first center shaft 1240 so as not to rotate.When a projected portion of the pair of the leaf spring 1234, which isinserted in the leaf spring installing hole 1232 of the first slipmember, is inserted in the leaf spring inserting hole 1214 of the firstcylinder 1210, the cover can be held in open state or closed state.

Furthermore, a lower portion of the first compressed spring 1220 issupported by means of the first slip member 1230, and an upper portionof the first compressed spring comes in contact with the first cylinder1210, so that the first cylinder 1210 has an upward and downwardelasticity.

Meanwhile, the first hinge shaft 1340 extends through a first fixedhinge hole 1331 of the first fixed hinge part 1330, the first rotaryhinge hole 1321 of the first rotary hinge part 1320, the first hingespring 1310 and the first connecting hole 1140 to be projected to thefirst rotary chamber 1110. The first fixing ring 1350 is combined to thefirst fixing groove 1342 projected to the first rotary chamber 1110 inorder to fix the first hinge shaft 1340 to the first hinge chamber 1120.

At this time, the first fixed hinge surface 1332 comes in surfacecontact with the first rotary hinge surface 1322, and the first hingespring 1310 elastically supports the first rotary hinge part 1320.

Since the first rotary hinge projection 1323 is combined to the firstguide recess 1121, the first rotary hinge part 1320 rotates along withthe first housing 1100. Further, since the first fixed hinge projection1333 is fixed to a receiving portion (not shown) of the body 100, thefirst fixed hinge part 330 cannot rotate.

In the state that the cover 200 is closed to the body 100, a mountainingportion of the first rotary hinge surface 1322 is held in thecombination with a valley portion of the first fixed hinge surface 1332.Meanwhile, the liquid crystal display 210 is installed in an innersurface of the cover 200. Thus, when the cover 200 is closed to the body100, the user cannot watch the liquid crystal display 210 of the cover200.

A process of turning the cover 200 of the portable phone reversely willbe described.

Firstly, the cover 200 is rotated about the first housing 1100 from thebody 100 to open.

When the cover 200 is open, the first cylinder 1210 combined with thecover 200 rotates about the first housing 1100, while the first housing1100 to which the first cylinder 1210 is fixed rotates along with thefirst cylinder 1210. At this time, the first rotary hinge part 1320which is installed to the first hinge chamber 1120 is intersected withthe first fixed hinge part 1330 fixed to the body 100 so that the firstfixed hinge surface 1332 may be sliding along the first rotary hingesurface 1322.

When the cover 200 is released from the body 100 to open somewhat, themountain portion of the first rotary hinge surface 1322 is slidablymoved to the mountain portion of the first fixed hinge surface 1332. Atthis time, the first hinge spring 1310 is compressed to the utmost.

Then, when the cover 200 is opened completely, the mountain portion ofthe first rotary hinge surface 1322 passes over the mountain portion ofthe first fixed hinge surface to be engaged with the valley portion ofthe first fixed hinge surface. Thus, the first hinge spring 1310 isextended to elastically support the first rotary hinge part 1320.

At this time, the first hinge shaft 1340 is inserted in the first fixedhinge hole 1331 and the first rotary hinge hole 1321 so as to supportthe first rotary hinge part 1320 and the first fixed hinge part 1330.Since the first rotary hinge projection 1323 is inserted in the firstguide recess 1121, the first hinge rotary hinge part 1320 is preventedfrom being rotated in the first hinge chamber 1120, so as to bestraightly moved by elasticity of the first hinge spring 1310.

When the cover 200 is rotated in clockwise or counterclockwise directionwith an opened state, the first cylinder 1210 fixed to the cover 200rotates along with the cover 200. However, since the first slip member1230 is fixed to the first center shaft 1240, the first slip member 1230cannot be rotated. The leaf spring 1234 is compressed as the firstcylinder 1210 rotates, while the leaf spring projection is released fromthe leaf spring inserting hole 1214. When the cover 200 is turnedreversely, the leaf spring projection is inserted in the leaf springinserting hole 1214 again, resulting in stopping the rotation of thecover 200.

The first cylinder projection 1215 of the first cylinder 1210 is blockedby means of the first stopper 1111 formed in the first rotary chamber1110. Accordingly, the rotation angle of the first cylinder 1210 islimited. As the result, the wire or a flexible PCB connecting the cover200 to the body 100 can be prevented from being twisted.

When the user closes the cover 200, the liquid crystal display 210 ofthe cover 200 is exposed. Thus, the user can watch the liquid crystaldisplay in the state that the cover 200 is closed. The controller canturn the liquid crystal display 210 on.

Meanwhile, when the user does not watch the liquid crystal display 210of the cover 200, the user handles the portable phone in reverse order.That is, the cover is rotated such that the liquid crystal display 210is directed to the body 100, and then the body 100 is closed.

The Second Embodiment

Hereinafter, the hinge mechanism of the portable phone according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge mechanism of theportable phone according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 13, the hinge mechanism according to thesecond embodiment includes a second housing 2100 for mechanicallyconnecting the cover 200 to the body 100, a second rotary part which isinstalled in a second rotary chamber 2110 formed in the second housing2100, for turning the cover 200 reversely, and a second hinge part 2300which is inserted in the second rotary chamber 2110 formed in the secondhousing 2100, for opening and closing the cover 200.

Here, the description relating to the structure and the operation of thesecond housing 2100 and the second rotary part 2200 will be omittedbecause of having the same structure and the operation as the hingemechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The second rotary part 2200 according to the second embodiment includesa second cylinder 2210, a second compressed spring 2220, a second rotaryslip part 2230, a second fixed slip part 2240, a second center shaft2250 and a second E-shaped ring 2260.

The second cylinder 2210 has a second cylinder chamber 2211 with anopened lower portion. The second cylinder groove 2214 is formed on innersurface of the second cylinder chamber 2211 lengthwise. The second arm2213 is projected on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylinder2210, which is fixed to the cover 200 by means of the jointing meanssuch as a screw and the like.

Further, the second cylinder 2215 is formed on an outer peripheralsurface of the second cylinder 2213 to limit the rotation angle of thecover 200.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, meanwhile, the second cylinder projection2215 is formed on the bottom surface of the second cylinder 2210, whilethe second cylinder projection 2215 is inserted in the bottom surface ofthe second rotary chamber 2110 to establish the second stopping groove2112 in order to stop the second cylinder at an initial position or at aposition of turning at an angle of 180 degree, thereby limiting therotation angle of the cover 200. Furthermore, the second arm projection2216 is formed on the bottom surface of the second arm 2213, while thesecond arm projection 2216 is inserted in the upper surface of thesecond housing 2100 to establish the second housing stopping groove inorder to stop the second cylinder 2210 at an initial position or at aposition of turning at an angle of 180 degree, thereby limiting therotation angle of the cover 200.

The second compressed spring 2220 provides elasticity, which isinstalled in the second cylinder chamber 2211.

The second rotary slip part 2230 is cooperated with the second fixedslip part 2240 to perform the rotating movement of the second rotarypart. The second rotary slip hole 2231 is formed at a center portion ofthe second rotary slip part 2230. The third rotary slip projection 3233is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the second rotary slip part2230 to be slidably inserted in the second cylinder groove 2214.Furthermore, the second rotary slip surface 2232 is formed at a bottomsurface of the second rotary slip part 2230 to continuously andhorizontally extend to the second rotary slip hole 2231 while havingtwo-wave type of bending when rotating each time.

The second polygonal hole 2241 is formed at a center portion of thesecond fixed slip part 2240. Further, the second fixed slip surface isformed to be corresponding to the second rotary slip surface 2232.

The second center shaft 2250 is an element to support the membersmentioned above, which is combined in order with the second polygonalhole 2241, the second rotary slip hole 2231, the second compressedspring 2220 and the second cylinder hole 2212. The second annular grooveis formed at an end of the second center shaft 2250. The secondpolygonal projection 2251 is formed at the other end of the secondcenter shaft 2250 to be inserted in the second polygonal hole 2241. Thatis, the second polygonal projection 2251 has a shape corresponding tothe second polygonal hole 2241.

The second center shaft 2250 is fixedly and vertically installed to thefirst rotary chamber 1110. On the other hand, the second center shaft2250 is integrally formed in the first rotary chamber 1110.

The second E-shaped ring 2260 is an element to fix the second cylinderto the second center shaft 2250, which is combined with the secondannular groove 2252 from an upper portion of the second cylinder hole2212.

Hereinafter, the other example of the second hinge part will bedescribed.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the other example of thesecond hinge part in the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 13.

As shown in FIG. 14, the second hinge part 2300 includes a second hingespring 2310, a second rotary hinge part 2320, a second fixed hinge part2330, a second hinge shaft 2340 and a second fixing ring 2350.

The second hinge spring 2310 is an element to elastically support thesecond rotary hinge part 2320 and the second fixed hinge part 2330,which is inserted in the second hinge chamber 2120.

The second fixed hinge part 23330 is cooperated with the second rotaryhinge part 2320 to perform the opening and closing of the cover 200.

The second rotary hinge hole 2321 is formed at a center portion of thesecond rotary hinge part 2320. A second rotary hinge projection isformed on an outer peripheral surface of the second rotary hinge part2320, which is combined with the second guide recess formed in parallelin a side surface of the second hinge chamber 2120. Further, a secondplain rotary hinge surface 2232 is formed on a surface of the secondrotary hinge part 2320. A pair of second hemispheric groove 2324 isformed on the second rotary hinge surface 2322 to be arranged around thesecond rotary hinge hole 2321. A second induction recess 2325 connectsthe second hemispheric groove 2324 to each other in circle. Such secondrotary hinge part 2320 is inserted in the second hinge chamber 2120 fromoutside of the second hinge spring 2310.

The second fixed hinge hole 2331 is formed at a center portion of thesecond fixed hinge part 2330 to be corresponding to the second rotaryhinge hole 2321. Further, the second fixed hinge surface 2332 is formedon a side surface of the second fixed hinge part 2330 to becorresponding to the second rotary hinge surface 2322. A pair of secondballs 2326 is fixed to the second fixed hinge surface 2332, which isinserted in the second hemispheric groove 2324. The second fixed hingeprojection 23333 is projected on the other surface of the second fixedhinge part 2330, which is fixed to the body 100. The second fixed hingepart 2330 is inserted in the second hinge chamber 2120 from outside ofthe second rotary hinge part 2320.

The second hinge shaft 2340 is a member to support the above-mentionedelements, which is combined with the second fixed hinge hole 2331, thesecond rotary hinge hole 2321 and the second hinge spring 2310. Further,the second fixed groove 2342 is formed at an end of the second hingeshaft 2340. A head portion 2341 of the second hinge shaft 2340 is formedat the other end of the second hinge shaft 2340.

The second fixing ring 2350 is a member to connect the second hingeshaft to the second hinge chamber 2120, which is jointed to the secondfixed groove 2342 in the second rotary chamber 2110.

Meanwhile, still another example of the second hinge part 2300 is shownin FIG. 15.

As shown in FIG. 15, the second hinge part 2300 has the second hingehousing 2360 which is separately manufactured, in which the second hingespring 2310, the second rotary hinge part 2320 and the second fixedhinge part 2330 are assembled in order.

The second hinge housing 2360 has the second hinge housing chamber 2361with an opened upper portion, in which the second guide groove 2364 isformed lengthwise on an inner surface. Further, the second hinge housinghole 2362 is formed on a surface of the second hinge housing 2360, whilethe second hinge housing projection 2363 is formed on the other surfaceof the second hinge housing 2360.

The second rotary hinge projection 2323 is formed on an outer peripheralsurface of the second rotary hinge part 2320, which is inserted in thesecond guide recess 2121 and in which the second rotary hinge hole 2321is formed at a center portion thereof. Furthermore, the second rotaryhinge surface 2322 is formed on a surface of the second rotary hingepart 2320 so as to continuously and horizontally extend to the secondrotary hinge hole 2321, while having two-wave type of bending whenrotating each time.

The second fixed hinge part 2330 has a shape to be rotatable in thesecond hinge housing 2360. The second fixed hinge surface 2332 is formedat a surface of the second fixed hinge part 2330 to be corresponding tothe second rotary hinge surface 2322. The second hinge shaft 2340 isintegrally formed on the second rotary hinge surface 2322, which isinserted in the second rotary hinge hole 2321. The second fixed hingeprojection 2333 is formed at the other surface of the second fixed hingepart 2330.

The second hinge spring 2310 is inserted in the second hinge housing2360 so that one end of the second hinge spring 2310 is combined withthe second hinge housing projection 2363 and the other end of the secondhinge spring 2310 elastically supports the second rotary hinge part2320.

Hereinafter, an operation of the hinge mechanism of the portable phonehaving the above-described structure will be described.

The hinge mechanism shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 performs the same operationas the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 13. The hinge mechanism accordingto the second embodiment shown in FIG. 13 has a similar operation to thehinge mechanism of the portable phone according to the first embodiment.Thus, the operation of the second rotary part of the second embodimentshown in FIG. 13 only will be described.

The second cylinder 2210 is fixed to the cover 200, and the secondrotary slip projection 2233 of the second rotary slip part 2230 iscombined with the second cylinder groove 2214 of the second cylinder2210. When the cover 200 is rotated, therefore, the second cylinder 2210and the second rotary slip part 2230 are rotated along with the cover200.

Since the second center shaft 2250 is fixed to the first rotary chamber1110 of the second housing 2100, while the second polygonal projection2251 is inserted in the second polygonal hole 2241, the rotation of thesecond fixed slip part 2240 can be prevented.

In addition, the second compressed spring 2250 elastically and outwardlysupports the second rotary slip part 2230 so that the second rotary slipsurface 2232 comes in elastic contact with the second fixed slip surface2242. At this time, the mountain portion of the second fixed slipsurface 2242 is engaged with the valley portion of the second rotaryslip surface 2232.

A process that the user turns the liquid crystal display 210 reverselyto expose the liquid crystal display outside is as follows.

Firstly, the user rotates the cover about the first housing 1100 fromthe body 100 to open the cover 200.

When the user rotates the cover 200 in clockwise or counterclockwisedirection in the state of opening the cover 200, the second cylinder2210 fixed to the cover 200 rotates along with the cover 200. Thus, thesecond cylinder 2210 and the second rotary slip part 2230 are rotatedalong with the cover 200, while the second fixed slip part 2240 fixed tothe second center shaft 2250 cannot be rotated.

When the cover 200 stars to rotate, the second fixed wave surface isslidably rotated against the second rotary slip surface 2232. When thecover 200 rotates somewhat, the mountain portion of the second rotaryslip surface 2232 is slidably moved to the mountain portion of thesecond fixed slip surface 2242. At this time, the second compressedspring 2220 is compressed to the utmost.

When the cover 200 is turned reversely, the mountain portion of thesecond slip surface 2232 passes over the mountain portion of the secondfixed slip surface 2242 to be engaged with the valley portion of thesecond fixed slip surface 2242. At this time, the second compressedspring 2220 is extended to elastically support the second fixed slippart 2240.

At this time, the second center shaft 2250 is inserted in the secondpolygonal hole 2241 and the second rotary slip hole 2231 so as tosupport the second rotary slip part 2230 and the second fixed slip part2240 in order to smoothly rotate the cover 200. Since the second rotaryslip projection 22333 of the second rotary slip part 2230 is combinedwith the second cylinder groove 2214 of the second cylinder 2210, thesecond rotary slip part 2230 rotates along with the second cylinder2210.

The second cylinder projection 2215 of the second cylinder 2210 isstopped by means of the second stopper 2111 of the first housing 1100.Accordingly, the rotation angle of the cover 200 can be limited.

In this state, when the user rotates to close the cover 200, the liquidcrystal display 210 of the cover 200 is turned reversely to expose theliquid crystal display 210 to outside environment. At the result, theuser can watch the liquid crystal display 210 in the state that thecover 200 is closed.

To the contrary, when the user does not want to watch the liquid crystaldisplay 210, the user operates the cover in reverse order so that theliquid crystal display 210 is rotated toward the body 100 to be closedagainst the body 100.

Meanwhile, the structures of the second hinge part and the secondhousing is not limited to the embodiments as described above, therebybeing modified in variety of well known structures.

The Third Embodiment

Hereinafter, the cover hinge device of a portable phone according to thethird preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

FIG. 17 is a broken perspective view of the cover hinge device of acellular phone according to third preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

The hinge device according to the third preferred embodiment includesthe third housing 3100 which connects the cover 200 to the main body 100mechanically, the first rotating portion 1200 which is install on thethird rotating chamber 3110 and inverts the cover 200, and the thirdhinge portion 3300 which is installed on the first hinge chamber 1120and opens/shuts the cover 200.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the third embodiment, only the third rotatingportion 3200 is different from the cover hinge device of the cellularphone according to the first preferred embodiment. Therefore, theexplanation for the third housing 3100 and the third hinge portion 3300will be omitted.

The third rotating portion 3200 includes the third cylinder 3210connecting to the cover 200, the second compressed spring 2220, thethird rotating slip portion 3230, the third fixed slip portion 3240, thethird central shaft 3250 and the E-ring 3260.

The third cylinder chamber 3211 having an open lower portion is formedon the third cylinder 3210, and the third cylinder hole 3212 is formedon the chamber 3211. The third cylinder recess 3214 is longitudinallyformed on the inner wall of the third cylinder chamber 3211. A pair ofthird arm 3213 is protrudently formed on the upper portion of the outersurface of the third cylinder 3210 in order to be in symmetry againsteach other, and the third arm 3213 is fixed to the cover 200 by aconnecting means such as screws. Further, the third cylinder protrusions3215 for restricting the rotating angle of the cover 200 is formed onthe outer periphery surface of the third cylinder 3210.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the cylinder protrusion isformed on the bottom surface of the third cylinder 3210, and the thirdcylinder protrusion is inserted into the bottom of the third rotatingchamber 3110. Thereby the third stop recess for stopping the thirdcylinder 3210 in the original position and 180 degrees position isformed, and therefore the rotating angel of the cover can be restricted.Further, the third arm protrusion is formed on the bottom surface of thethird arm 3213, and the third arm protrusion is inserted into the uppersurface of the third housing. Thereby, the third stop recess forstopping the third cylinder 3210 in the original position and 180degrees position is formed, and therefore the rotating angel of thecover can be restricted.

The third compressed spring 3220 is to give elastic force, and isinserted into the third cylinder chamber 3211.

The third rotating slip portion 3230 and the third fixed slip portion3240 jointly perform the rotation of the third rotating portion.

The rotating slip hole 3231 is formed on the intermediate of the thirdrotating slip portion 3230, and the third rotating slip protrusion 3233being slidably connected to the third cylinder recess 3214 is formedthereon. Further, the flatted rotating slip surface 3232 is formed onthe lower surface of the third rotating slip portion 3230, and a pair ofthird ball 3234 is oppositely installed on the third rotating slipsurface 3232 with respect to the third rotating slip hole 3231.

The third square hole 3241 is formed on the intermediate of the thirdfixed slip portion 3240. The third fixed slip portion 3242 correspondingto the third rotating slip surface 3232 is formed on the upper surfaceof the third fixed slip portion 3240. And a pair of third hemisphererecesses 3243 are formed in order to opposite to the pair of third ball3234 of the third fixed slip surface 3242. Further, the third guiderecess 3244 circularly connecting each third hemisphere recess 3243 isalso formed thereon.

In the present embodiment, the third ball 3234 is fixed to the thirdrotating slip portion 3230. However, the ball 3234 can be fixed to thethird fixed slip portion 3240. The ball 3234 is separately formed on thethird rotating slip portion 3230 or on the third fixed slip portion3240, however it can be integrally formed on the third rotating slipsurface 3232 or on the third fixed slip surface 3242.

The third central shaft 3250 is to support the third cylinder 3210, thethird compressed spring 3220, the third rotating slip portion 3230 andthe third fixed slip portion 3240. The third central shaft 3250 isuprightly fixed to the bottom surface of the third rotating chamber3110, and the shaft 3250 passes through the third square hole 3241, thethird rotating slip hole 3231, the third compressed spring 3220 and thethird cylinder hole 3212. Further, the third annular recess 3252 isformed on the end portion of the third central shaft 3250, and the thirdsquare protrusion connecting to the third square hole 3241 is formed onthe lower portion thereof.

The third E-ring 3260 is to fix the third cylinder 3210 to the thirdcentral shaft 3250, and is connected to the third annular recess 3252from the upper direction of the third cylinder hole 3212.

Hereinafter, the operation of the cover hinge device of the portablehaving above described structure. The operation of the hinge deviceaccording to the third preferred embodiment is substantially the same asthat of the hinge device according to the first preferred embodiment asshown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the operation for only third rotatingportion 3200 will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the cover hinge device is assembled to theportable phone, the third cylinder 3210 is fixed to the cover 200, andthe third rotating slip protrusion 3233 is connected to the thirdcylinder recess 3214. Therefore, as the cover 200 is rotated, the thirdcylinder 3210 and the rotating slip portion 3230 are integrally rotatedtogether with the cover 200. The third central shaft 3250 is fixed tothe third rotating chamber 3110 of the third housing 3100, and the thirdsquare protrusion 3251 is connected to the third square hole 3241,therefore the third fixed slip portion is prevented from being rotated.

Further, the third compressed spring 3220 elastically and outwardlysupports the third rotating slip portion 3230, therefore, the thirdrotating slip portion 3232 is elastically contacted to the third fixedslip surface 3242.

The process to invert the cover 200 is as follows.

Firstly, the cover 200 is rotated against the third housing 3100, andthen the cover 200 is opened. In a state in which the cover 200 isopened, if one rotates the cover 200 in clockwise or counterclockwise,the third cylinder 3210 fixed to the cover 200 is integrally rotatedtogether with the cover 200. That is, the third cylinder 3210 an thethird rotating slip portion 3230 are rotated together with the cover200, and the third fixed slip portion 3240 fixed to the third centralshaft 3250 is not rotated.

That is, the third rotating slip portion 3230 is slidably rotated fromthe third fixed slip portion 3240. At this time, the third ball 3234which is fixed to the third rotating slip surface 3232 of the thirdrotating slip portion 3230 is separated from the third hemisphere recess3243 which is formed on the third fixed slip surface 3242 of the thirdfixed slip portion 3240. And then, the ball 3234 is moved according tothe third guiding recess 3244. At this time, the third compressed spring3220 is fully compressed.

Consequently, if the cover 200 is rotated in 180 degrees, the third ball3234 is inserted into another third hemisphere recess 3243 formed on thethird fixed slip surface 3242. Therefore, the third compressed spring3220 is extended and elastically supports the third rotating slipportion 3230.

In this process, the third central shaft 3250 safely supports the thirdrotating slip portion 3230 and the third fixed slip portion 3240, in astate in which the shaft 3250 is inserted into the third square hole3241 and the third rotating slip hole 3231. Further, the third rotatingslip protrusion 3233 of the third rotating slip portion 3230 is insertedinto the third cylinder recess 3214 of the third cylinder 3210,therefore the third rotating slip portion 3230 is integrally movedtogether with the third cylinder 3210.

Further, the third cylinder protrusion 3215 of the third cylinder 3210is caught by the third stop protrusion 3111, thereby the rotation angleof the cover is restricted.

In a state in which the cover 200 is rotated, if one rotates the cover200 toward the main body 100, the liquid crystal display 210 of thecover 200 is outwardly exposed. Therefore, one can see a large liquidcrystal display 210 in a state in which the cover 200 is closed to themain body 100.

Meanwhile, one does not see the large liquid crystal display 210 of thecover 200, the cover 200 is rotated toward the main body 100 so that thelarge liquid crystal display 210 faces to the main body 100 by reverselyoperating against the above described operation.

In the FIGS. 18 and 19, another preferred embodiment for the third hingeportion 3300 is disclosed.

The third hinge portion 3300 of the hinge device as shown in FIG. 18 hasthe same structure as that of the second preferred embodiment as shownin FIG. 14, therefore a specific explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the FIGS. 20 and 21, another preferred embodiment for the thirdhousing 3100 and the third hinge portion 3300 is disclosed.

The third cutoff portion 3130, for coming in and out the wireelectrically connecting the main body 100 to the cover 200 to the thirdrotating chamber 3110, is formed on the third housing 3100. Further, thethird hinge chamber 3120 has an opened top feature (the third openedportion 3122), and the third guiding recess 3121, which has a horizontalrecess (groove) 3125 formed longitudinally and a vertical recess(groove) 3126 being perpendicular to the horizontal recess 3125 andconnecting to the third opened portion 3122. Further, the third hingechamber hole 3123 is formed on the inner wall of one side of the thirdhinge chamber 3120, and the third hinge spring protrusion 3124 is formedon the inner wall of the other side of the third hinge chamber 3120.

The third hinge portion 3300 includes the third hinge spring 3310, thethird fixed hinge portion 3330 and the third rotating hinge portion3320.

The third hinge spring 3310 is to give elastic force to the third fixedhinge portion 3330 and the third rotating hinge portion 3320. And, thespring 3310 has one end which is fixed to the third hinge springprotrusion 3124 and the other end which is inserted into the third hingechamber 3120 in order to elastically support the third rotating hingeportion 3320.

The flat third rotating hinge surface 3322 is formed on one surface ofthe third rotating hinge portion 3320. A pair of third hemisphererecesses 3243 are formed on the third rotating hinge surface 3322 in aposition in which they are in symmetry against the third rotating hingehole 3321, and also the third guiding recess 3244 annularly connectingthe third square recess 3243 is formed. Further, the third rotatinghinge protrusion 3323 slidably connecting to the third guiding recess3121 is formed on the both side surfaces of the third rotating hingeportion 3320. This third rotating hinge portion 3320 is inserted intothe third hinge chamber 3120 from outside of the third hinge spring3310.

The third hinge shaft 3340 rotatably connecting to the third rotatinghinge hole 3321 is protrudently formed on one surface of the third fixedhinge portion 3330. And the third fixed hinge surface 3332 correspondingto the third rotating hinge surface 3322 is formed in near the thirdhinge shaft 3340. Further, the pair of third balls 3234 being insertedinto the third hemisphere recess 3243 is installed on the third fixedhinge surface 3332. Further, the third fixed hinge protrusion 3333 fixedto the main body 100 is formed on the other surface of the third fixedhinge portion 3330 by passing through the third hinge chamber hole 3123.This third fixed hinge portion 3330 is inserted and installed on thethird hinge chamber 3120 from outside of the third rotating hingeportion 3320.

The operation of the hinge device shown in FIG. 20 is substantially thesame as that of the hinge device shown in FIG. 17, therefore theoperation being related to only the third hinge portion 3300 will beexplained.

In a state in which the cover hinge device is assembled with theportable phone, the third cylinder 3210 is fixed to the cover 200. Andthe third rotating slip protrusion 3233 of the third rotating slipportion 3230 is connected to the third cylinder recess 3214 of the thirdcylinder 3210. Therefore, if the cover 200 is rotated, the thirdcylinder 3210 and the third rotating slip portion 3230 are integrallyrotated.

Meanwhile, the third fixed hinge protrusion 3333 of the third fixedhinge portion 3330 is passed through the third hinge chamber hole 3123and is fixed to the main body 100, therefore the third fixed hingeportion 3330 is prevented from being rotated.

Further, the third hinge spring 3310 elastically and outwardly supportthe third rotating hinge portion 3320, therefore the third rotatinghinge surface 3322 is closely contacted to the third fixed hinge surface3332.

Meanwhile, a large liquid crystal display 210 is installed in the cover200. However, one cannot see the large liquid crystal display 210 of thecover 200 if the cover 200 is closed to the main body 100.

The process for exposing the large liquid crystal display 210 is asfollows.

Firstly, one opens the cover 200 from the main body 100 by rotating itagainst the third housing 3100.

If the cover 200 begins to be opened, the third housing 3100 is rotatedtogether. At this time, the third rotating slip portion 3230 crossesover the third fixed slip portion 3240. And it separated from the thirdhemisphere recess 3243 in which the third ball 3234 fixed on the thirdfixed hinge surface 3332 is formed on the third rotating hinge surface3322, and is moved according to the third guiding recess 3244. At thistime, the third hinge spring 3310 is fully compressed.

Consequently, if the cover 200 is fully opened, the third ball 3234 isentered into another third hemisphere recess 3243 formed on the thirdrotating hinge surface 3322. And, the third hinge spring 3310 isextended by the restitutive force and supports the third rotating hingeportion 3320.

At this time, the third hinge shaft 3340 is inserted into the thirdrotating hinge hole 3321, therefore the third rotating hinge portion3330 and the third fixed hinge portion 3330 are well operated eachother. Further, since the third rotating hinge protrusion 3323 isinserted into the third guiding recess 3121, the third rotating hingeportion 3320 is restricted to rotate in the third hinge chamber 3120 andonly carries out linear motion.

Meanwhile, the process for reversely rotating the cover 200 in a statein which the cover 200 is fully opened by the above explained process isthe substantially same as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17,therefore the explanation for the process will be omitted.

In FIGS. 22 and 23, still another embodiment for the third housing 3100is disclosed.

The third cutoff portion 3130, for coming in and out the wireelectrically connecting the main body 100 to the cover 200 to the thirdrotating chamber 3110, is formed on the third housing 3100. Further, thethird hinge chamber 3120 has an opened upper portion (the third openedportion 3122), and the third guiding recess 3121 is longitudinallyformed on the inner wall thereof. Further, the third hinge chamber hole3123 is formed on the inner wall of one side of the third hinge chamber3120, and the third hinge spring protrusion 3124 is formed on the innerwall of the other side of the third hinge chamber 3120.

The third rotating portion 3200 and the third hinge portion 3300 of thehinge device shown in FIG. 22 is the substantially same as that of thehinge device shown in FIG. 20, therefore the explanation for the thirdrotating portion 3200 will be omitted.

The Fourth Embodiment

The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be illustratedbelow.

FIG. 24 is an exploded and perspective view for showing a cover hingeapparatus for a handheld telephone according to the fourth embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 25 is a sectional view for showing anassembled state of the cover hinge apparatus depicted in FIG. 24. And,FIG. 26 is a plane view for showing the fourth housing of the hingeapparatus depicted in FIG. 24.

The hinge apparatus according to the present embodiment includes thefourth rotational chamber 4110 which has an upper portion opened and thefourth hinge chamber 4120 which is formed at one side surface. The hingeapparatus includes the forth housing 4100 for mechanically connecting acover 200 and a main body 100, the fourth hinge part 4300 which isinstalled at the fourth hinge chamber 4120 for opening and closing thecover 200, and the rotational part 4200 which is installed at the fourthrotational chamber 4110 for rotating the cover 200.

The fourth rotational part 4200 includes the fourth cylinder 4210, thefourth compressor spring 4220, the fourth rotational slip portion 4230,the fourth fixing slip portion 4240, the forth central shaft 4250, andthe fourth nut 4260.

The fourth cylinder 4210 has the fourth cylinder chamber 4211 having alower portion opened and the fourth cylinder hole 4212 formed at theupper portion thereof. Further, the fourth cylinder groove 4214 isformed at an outer side surface of the fourth cylinder 4210 along thelongitudinal direction of the fourth cylinder 4210. A pair of the fourtharms 4213 is symmetrically formed on an upper portion of the outer sidesurface, which is assembled with the cover 200. The fourth arms 4213 arefixed at the cover 200 by connecting means such as a screw.

The fourth cylinder protrusion 4215 is formed at a lower surface of thefourth cylinder 4210. The fourth stopping groove 4111 is formed at abottom surface of the fourth rotational chamber 4110. The fourthcylinder protrusion 4215 can only move along the fourth stopping groove4111. The fourth stopping groove 4111 is designed to allow the fourthcylinder 4210 to be stopped at an original position and a positionrotated at an angle of 180 degrees from the original position.

On the other hand, the arm protrusion 4216 is formed at a lower surfaceof the fourth cylinder 4210. The fourth housing stopping groove 4140 isformed at an upper portion of the fourth housing 4100. The fourth armprotrusion 4216 can only move along the fourth housing stopping groove4140. The fourth housing stopping groove 4140 is designed to allow thefourth cylinder 4210 to be stopped at an original position and aposition rotated at an angle of 180 degrees from the original position.

The fourth cylinder protrusion 4215 and the fourth stopping groove 4111,and the fourth arm protrusion 4216 and the fourth housing stoppinggroove 4140 restricts the rotation degree of the cover 200, such thattwist of electrical connecting wires or flexible PCBs is prevented.

The fourth compressor spring 4220 is inserted into the fourth cylinderchamber 4211 thereby to elastically support the fourth rotational slippart 4230 and the fourth fixing slip part 4240.

The fourth rotational slip hole 4231 is formed at the central portion ofthe fourth rotational slip part 4230. The fourth rotational slipprotrusion 4234 is formed at a periphery surface of the fourthrotational slip part 4230, which is slipped into and assembled with thefourth cylinder groove 4214. The fourth rotational slip surface 4232 isformed at a lower portion of the fourth rotational slip part 4230. Thefourth rotational slip surface 4232 has a pair of wave-shapedprotrusions which is formed at both sides thereof with respect to thefourth rotational slip hole 4231. The fourth rotational plane portions4233 are formed at each upper end of the pair of wave-shapedprotrusions.

The fourth rectangular hole 4241 is formed at the central portion of thefourth fixing slip part 4240. The fourth fixing slip surface 4240 isformed at an upper surface, which has a wave-shaped protrusioncorresponding to the wave-shaped protrusion and the fourth fixing planeportion 4243 corresponding to the fourth rotational plane portion 4240.

The fourth central shaft 4250 is perpendicularly stood in the bottomsurface of the fourth rotational chamber 4110. The fourth central shaft4250 has the fourth screw portion 4252 formed at an upper end thereofand the fourth rectangular protrusion 4251 formed at a lower end thereofto be inserted into the fourth rectangular hole 4241.

The fourth central shaft 4250 passes through the fourth rectangular hole4241, the fourth rotational hinge hole 4321, the fourth compressingspring 4220 and the fourth cylinder hole 4212 to support them. Thefourth nut 4260, which is an element for fixing the fourth cylinder 4210to the fourth central shaft 4250, is locked to the fourth screw portion4252.

The fourth hinge part 4300 has the fourth hinge housing 4360 in whichthe fourth hinge spring 4310, the fourth rotational hinge part 4320, andthe fourth fixing hinge part 4330 are successively assembled with oneanother.

The fourth hinge housing 4360 has the fourth hinge housing chamber 4361having an upper portion which is opened. The fourth guide groove 4364 isformed at a sidewall of the fourth hinge housing 4360 in thelongitudinal direction. Also, the fourth hinge housing hole is formed atone side of the fourth hinge housing 4360, and the fourth hinge housingprotrusion 4363 is formed at an inner wall of the other side.

The fourth rotational hinge protrusion 4323, which is inserted into thefourth guide groove 4364, is formed at an outer surface of the fourthhinge part 4320. The fourth hinge hole is formed at the central portionof the fourth hinge part 4320. Further, the fourth rotational hingesurface 4322 is formed at one surface of the fourth hinge part 4320. Thefourth rotational hinge surface 4322 is successively formed from thesurface of the fourth hinge part 4320 and has a wave-shaped curve of twowavelengths per one rotation.

The fourth fixing hinge part 4330 has a shape to be able to be rotatedat the fourth hinge housing 4360. The fourth rotational hinge surface4332 which corresponds to the fourth rotational hinge surface 4322 isformed at the one surface of the fourth fixing hinge part 4330. Theforth hinge shaft 4340 is integrally formed on the fourth fixing hingesurface 4332 to be inserted into the fourth rotational hinge hole 4321,and the fourth fixing hinge protrusion 4333 is formed at the othersurface of the fourth fixing hinge surface 4332 to be inserted into thefourth hinge housing hole 4362.

The fourth hinge spring 4310 has one end which is assembled with thefourth hinge housing protrusion 4363 and the other end which is insertedinto the fourth hinge housing 4360 thereby to elastically support thefourth rotational hinge part 4320.

Hereinafter, the operation of the cover hinge apparatus for a handheldtelephone will be illustrated.

At the state of assembling the hinge apparatus with the handheldtelephone, the fourth cylinder 4210 is fixed at the cover 200, and thefourth rotational slip protrusion 4234 of the fourth rotational slippart 4230 is assembled with the fourth cylinder groove 4214 of thefourth cylinder 4210. Therefore, the cover 200, the fourth cylinder4210, and the fourth rotational slip part 4230 are integrally rotated.

And, the fourth rectangular protrusion 4251 formed at the fourth centralshaft 4250 is assembled with the fourth rectangular hole 4241 of thefourth rotation slip portion 4230 thereby to prevent the fourth fixingslip part 4240 from being rotated.

Further, the fourth compressing spring 4220 elastically supports thefourth rotational slip portion 4240 toward the fourth fixing slipportion 4240, such that the fourth rotational slip surface 4232 of thefourth rotational slip portion 4230 is adhered closely to the fourthfixing slip surface 4242 of the fourth fixing slip portion 4240 to beelastically contacted with each other.

On the other hand, the fourth fixing hinge protrusion 4333 of the fourthfixing hinge part 4330 passes through the fourth hinge housing hole 4362to be fixed to the main body 100. And, the fourth hinge spring 4310elastically supports the fourth rotational hinge part 4320 toward thefourth fixing hinge part 4330 and is assembled with the thread of thefourth fixing hinge surface 4332 to be elastically contacted with eachother. Therefore, if a slipping is not developed between the fourthrotational hinge surface 4322 and the fourth fixing hinge surface 4332,the rotation of the fourth housing chamber and the fourth housing 4100is prevented. Further, the fourth housing 4100 is rotated because theother side of the fourth housing 4100 is hinged with the main body 100.

On the other hand, though a large liquid crystal display 210 isinstalled in the cover 200, the large liquid crystal display 210 of thecover 200 is not seen when the cover 200 is closed on the main body 100.

Processes of reversing the cover for seeing the large liquid crystaldisplay 210 when a user closes the cover 200 of the handheld telephonewill be illustrated below.

First, the cover 200 is opened by rotating the main body with respect tothe fourth housing 4100.

When the cover 200 begins to be opened, the fourth cylinder 4210 and thefourth housing 4100 fixed at the cover 200 by the fourth arm 4213 arerotated. At this time, the fourth rotational hinge part 4320 installedat the fourth hinge housing 4360 is also rotated with the cover 200.However, the fourth fixing hinge part 4330 is not rotated because it isfixed to the main body 100. Therefore, a slipping is developed betweenthe fourth rotational hinge surface 4322 of the fourth rotational hingepart 4320 and the fourth fixing hinge surface 4332 of the fourth fixinghinge part 4330.

When the cover 200 is rotated at the angle of 90 degrees, the mountainportions of the fourth rotational hinge surface 4322 and the fourthfixing hinge surface 4322 are contacted with each other. At this time,the fourth hinge spring 4310 is at the most compressed state. When thecover 200 is more rotated and is opened completely, the valley andmountain portions of the fourth rotational hinge surface 4322 areassembled with the mountain and valley portions the fourth fixing hingesurface 4332, respectively, such that the fourth hinge spring 4310 isexpended again.

At this time, because the fourth hinge shaft 4340 is inserted into thefourth rotational hinge hole 4321, when slipping between the fourthrotational hinge surface 4322 and the fourth fixing hinge surface 4322is developed, the separation in the side direction is prevented. And,because the fourth rotational hinge protrusion 4323 of the fourthrotational hinge part 4320 is inserted into the fourth guide groove 4364of the fourth hinge housing 4360, the fourth rotational hinge part 4320moves not in a rotation but in a straight line.

On the other hand, at the state that the cover 200 is opened, when thecover 200 is clockwise (or, counter clockwise) rotated, the fourthcylinder 4210 which is fixed at the cover 200 is rotated integrally withthe cover 200. This is because the fourth rotational slip protrusion4234 is inserted into the fourth cylinder groove 4314. However, becausethe fourth fixing slip part 4240 is fixed at the central shaft 4250which is fixed at the bottom surface of the fourth rotational chamber4110, the fourth fixing slip part 4240 is not rotated.

Therefore, the fourth rotational slip part 4230 is slipped rotated withthe fourth fixing slip part 4240. That is, the slipping is developedbetween the fourth rotational slip surface 4232 of the fourth rotationalslip part 4230 and the fourth fixing slip surface 4242 of the fourthfixing slip part 4240.

When the cover is rotated at the angle of 90 degrees, the fourthrotational plane portion 4233 of the fourth rotational slip surface 4232and the fourth fixing plane portion 4243 of the fourth fixing slipsurface 4242 are contacted with each other.

At this time, the spaced length between the fourth rotational slip partand the fourth fixing slip part 4240 is maximized and the fourthcompressing spring 4220 is the most compressed. At this way, when thefourth rotational plane part 4233 and the fourth fixing plane part 4243are contacted with each other, the cover 200 may be stopped for a whilebecause the cover 200 does not receive the rotational force. That is,the contacting section between fourth rotational plane part 4233 and thefourth fixing plane part 4243 is a stopping section.

When the cover 200 is rotated at 180° by continuing the rotation of thecover 200, the fourth rotation slip surface 4232 and the fourth fixingslip surface 4242 are returned to an initial connecting state. At thistime, the fourth rotation slip surface 4232 and the fourth fixing slipsurface 4242 again keep the nearest distance to each other. The fourthcompression spring 4220 is expanded by the restoring force andelastically supports the fourth rotation slip portion 4230. At thistime, since a fourth central shaft 4250 is inserted into the fourthangular hole 4241 and the fourth rotation slip hole 4231, a mutualoperation of the fourth rotation slip portion 4230 and the fourth fixingslip portion 4240 is easily performed.

Since a fourth rotation slip projection 4234 of the fourth rotation slipportion 4230 is inserted into a fourth cylinder groove 4214 of a fourthcylinder 4210, the fourth rotation slip portion 4230 performs a linearmotion in the fourth cylinder 4210.

On the other hand, a fourth cylinder projection 4215 and a fourth armprojection 4216 of the fourth cylinder 4210 are moved along a fourthstop groove 4111 and a fourth housing stop groove 4140 of a fourthhousing 4100, respectively. When the cover 200 entirely turns in thereverse direction, namely, is turned by 180°, the cover 200 is hooked toend portions of the fourth stop groove 4111 and the fourth housing stopgroove 4140 to prevent an excessive rotation of the fourth cylinder4210. That is, since the cover 200 has a rotation range of about 180°,an entanglement of a wire is prevented wherein the wire electricallyconnects the body 100 and the cover 200 to each other.

In such a state, when the user rotates the cover 200 to close the body100, a large liquid crystal display screen 210 of the cover 200 isexposed to an outside. Accordingly, although the user closes a cover ofa portable phone, the user can see the large liquid crystal displayscreen 210. An operation procedure of a fourth hinge portion 4300 isperformed in the reverse order of the above stated operation.

On the other hand, when the user does not see the large liquide crystaldisplay screen 210 of the cover 200, the user operates the fourth hingeportion 4300 in the reverse order of the above stated operation torotate the large liquide crystal display screen 210 of the cover 200toward the body 100 thereby closing the body 100 by the cover 200. Atthis time, operation procedures of a fourth rotating portion 4200 andthe fourth hinge portion 4300 are performed in the reverse order of theabove stated operation.

The Fifth Embodiment

Hereinafter, a cover hinge device of a portable phone according to thefifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the cover hinge device of aportable phone according to the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 28 is a sectional view showing another example of thefirth rotating portion of the hinge device shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 29 isa sectional view showing a further example of the firth rotating portionof the hinge device shown in FIG. 27.

A hinge device shown in FIG. 29 will now be explained.

As shown in FIG. 29, the hinge device includes a fifth rotation chamber5110, a fifth housing 5100, a fifth hinge portion 5300, and a fifthrotating portion 5200. A upper portion of the fifth rotation chamber5110 is open. The first rotation chamber 5300 is formed at one side ofthe fifth housing 5100. The fifth housing 5100 electrically connects thecover 200 and the body 100 to each other. The fifth hinge portion 5300is installed at the fifth hinge chamber 5120 and opens/closes the cover200. The fifth rotating portion 5200 is installed at the fifth rotationchamber 5110 and rotates the cover 200.

The hinge device according to the fifth embodiment is identical with thehinge device according to the fourth embodiment except structures of thefifth rotation chamber 5110 and the fifth rotating portion 5200.Accordingly, only the fifth rotation chamber 5110 and the fifth rotatingportion 5200 will be described but repetition of the description on thesame or similar components will be omitted.

A upper portion of the first rotation chamber 5110 is open. A fifthscrew hole 5113 is formed at a bottom surface of the fifth rotationchamber 5110. A fifth angular projection 5112 is formed around the fifthscrew hole 5113.

The fifth rotating portion 5200 includes a fifth cylinder 5210, a fifthcompression spring 5220, a fifth rotation slip portion 5230, a fifthfixing slip portion 5240, and a fifth central shaft 5250. The fifthcylinder 5210 includes a fifth cylinder chamber 5211. A lower portion ofthe fifth cylinder chamber 5211 is open. A fifth cylinder hole 5212 isformed at a upper surface of the fifth cylinder 5210. A fifth cylindergroove 5214 is longitudinally formed at an outer and lower side of thefifth cylinder 5210. A pair of fifth arms 5213 are formed at an outerand upper side of the fifth cylinder 5210 symmetrical to each other. Thefifth arms 5213 are connected to the cover 200. The fifth arms 5213 arefixed to the cover 200 by a locking device such as a screw.

A fifth cylinder projection 5215 is formed at a lower surface of thefifth cylinder 5210. A fifth stop groove 5111 is formed at a bottomsurface of the fifth rotation chamber 5110. The fifth cylinderprojection 5215 is moved along the fifth stop groove 5111. The fifthstop groove 5111 is designed to stop the fifth cylinder 5210 at aninitial position and 180° rotated position.

On the other hand, a fifth arm projection 5216 is formed at a lowersurface of the fifth arm 5213. A fifth housing stop groove 5140 isformed at a upper surface of the fifth housing 5100. The fifth armprojection 5216 is moved along the fifth housing stop groove 5140. Thefifth housing stop groove 5140 is designed to stop the fifth cylinder5210 at an initial position and 180° rotated position.

The fifth cylinder projection 5215, the fifth stop groove 5111, thefifth arm projection 5216, and the fifth housing stop groove 5140 limitsa rotating angle of the cover 200 thereby preventing an entangelment ofa wire or a flexible PCB wherein the wire or the flexible PCBelectrically connects the body 100 and the cover 200 to each other.

The fifth compression spring 5220 is inserted and installed in the fifthcylinder chamber 5211. The fifth compression spring 5220 elasticallysupports the fifth rotation slip portion 5230 and the fifth fixing slipportion 5240.

A fourth rotation slip hole 4231 is formed at a center of the fifthrotation slip portion 4231. A fifth rotation slip projection 5234 isformed at a peripheral surface of the fifth rotation slip portion 5230and is slidably connected to the fifth cylinder groove 5214. A fifthrotation slip surface 5232 is formed at a lower surface of the fifthrotation slip portion 5230. The fifth rotation slip surface 5232includes a pair of wave projections which are formed at both sidesthereof. A fifth rotation plane portion 5233 is formed at a upper end ofeach of the wave projections.

A fifth angular hole 5241 is formed at a center of the fifth fixing slipportion 5240. A fifth fixing slip surface is formed at a upper surfaceof the fifth fixing slip portion 5240. Wave projections corresponding tothe wave projections and the fifth fixing plane portion 5243corresponding to the fifth rotation plane portion 5233 are formed at thefifth fixing slip surface.

The fifth rotation slip portion 5230 and the fifth fixing slip portion5240 are not limited to the above stated structures. However, the fifthrotation slip portion 5230 and the fifth fixing slip portion 5240 aresubstituted by a rotation slip portion and a fixing slip portionaccroding the first through fourth embodiments, respectively.

A fifth screw portion 5254 is formed at a lower end portion of thecentral shaft 5250. The fifth screw portion 5254 is connected to a fifthscrew hole 5113. A fifth head portion 5251 is formed at a upper endportion of the fifth central shaft 5250. A fifth tool groove 5252 isformed at a upper surface of the fifth head portion 5251. A fifth washer5253 is integrally formed on a lower surface of the fifth head portion5251. The fifth tool groove 5252 has a line shape of a cross shape. Arotation tool such as a driver is inserted into the fifth tool groove5252 and fixes the fifth central shaft 5250 to the fifth rotationchamber 5110. The fifth washer 5253 is installed to be separated fromthe fifth central shaft 5250.

The fifth central shaft 5250 pierces the a fifth cylinder hole 5212, afifth compression spring 5220, a fifth rotation slip hole 5231, and afifth fixing slip hole, and locks the fifth screw portion 5254 to afifth screw hole, and is fixed to the fifth rotation chamber 5110. Atthis time, a fifth angular hole 5241 of a fifth fixing slip portion 5240is connected to a fifth angular projection 5112 of a fifth rotationchamber 5110.

Since a structure of the fifth hinge portion 530 and an operationaccording to an embodiment of the present invetion are identical withthose of a fourth embodiment, the descriptions are omitted.

The Sixth Embodiment

Hereinafter, a cover hinge device of a portable phone according to thesixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the cover hinge device of aportable phone according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge deviceshown in FIG. 32 taken in another angle. FIG. 34 is an explodedperspective view showing a sixth hinge portion of the hinge device shownin FIG. 32. FIG. 35 is a sectional view showing a connecting state ofthe cover hinge device shown in FIG. 32.

As shown in FIG. 32, the cover hinge device includes a sixth rotationchamber 6110, a sixth housing 6100, a sixth hinge portion 6300, and asixth rotating portion 6200. A upper portion of the sixth rotationchamber 6110 is open. A sixth fixing groove 6111 is formed at a lowersurface of the sixth rotation chamber 6110. A sixth housing angular hole6112 is formed at the sixth fixing groove 6111. Sixth hinge fixinggrooves 6120 are formed at both sides of the sixth housing 6100. Thesixth hinge portion 6300 is connected to the sixth hinge fixing groove6120 and opens/closes the cover 200.

A sxith position fixing groove 6113 is formed at the sixth fixing groove6111.

A sixth wiring path 6140 is formed at a side surface of the sixthhousing 6100 in a side direction. All kinds of wirings are installedthrough the sixth wiring path 6140.

The sixth rotating portion 6200 includes a sixth cylinder 6210, a sixthcompression spring 6240, sixth slip members 6220 and 6230, a six centralshaft 6250, and a sixth screw 6260.

The sixth cylinder 6210 includes a sixth cylinder chamber 6211. A lowersurface of the sixth cylinder chamber 6200 is open. A sixth cylinderhole 6212 is formed at a upper surface of the sixth cylinder chamber6211. A pair of sixth arms is protruded to an outer and upper side ofthe sixth cylinder 6210. The arms are connected to the cover 200. Asixth cylinder groove 6214 is longitudinally formed at an inner surfaceof the sixth cylinder 6210.

The sixth compression spring 6240 elastically supports the sixth slipmembers 6220 and 6230. The sixth compression spring 6240 is installed atthe sixth cylinder chamber 6211.

The sixth slip members 6220 and 6230 include a sixth rotation slipportion 6220, a sixth fixing slip portion 6230, and a first ball 6226.

A sixth rotation slip hole 6221 is formed at a center of the sixthrotation slip portion 6220. A sixth rotation slip projection 6224 isformed at a peripheral surface of the sixth rotation slip portion 6220.The sixth rotation slip portion 6224 is connected to the sixth cylindergroove 6214. A sixth plane rotation slip surface 6222 is formed at alower surface of the sixth rotation slip portion 6220. A pair of sixthhemispherical rotation grooves 6225 are formed at the sixth planerotation slip surface 6222.

A sixth angular hole 6231 is formed at a center of the six fixing slipportion 6230. A sixth fixing slip surface 6232 corresponding to thesixth rotation slip surface 6222 is formed at a upper surface of thesixth fixing slip portion 6230. A sixth hemispherical fixing groove 6234corresponding to the sixth hemispherical rotation groove 6225 is formedat the sixth fixing slip surface 6232.

A sixth ball 6226 is inserted and fixed in the sixth hemisphericalrotation groove 6225 and the sixth hemispherical fixing groove 6234.

The sixth central shaft 6250 has a long stick shape which corresponds tothe sixth angular hole 6231. A sixth angular projection 6251 is formedat a upper portion of the sixth central shaft 6250 and is inserted intothe sixth housing angular hole 6112. A sixth angular head portion 6252is formed at an end of the sixth angular projection 6251. When the sixthcentral shaft 6250 is installed at the sixth housing 6100, the sixthangular projection 6251 is connected to the sixth housing angular hole6112 and the sixth head portion 6252 is connected to the sixth fixinggroove 6111. A sixth position fixing projection 6253 is formed at thesixth head portion 6252. The sixth position fixing projection 6253 isinserted into the sixth position fixing groove 6113. The sixth centralshaft 6250 is fixed and installed at the sixth rotation chamber 6110through the sixth housing angular hole 6112 in a lower surface of thesixth housing 6100.

A sixth screw hole 6255 is formed at a lower end of the sixth centralshaft 6250. A sixth screw 6260 is locked to the sixth screw hole 6255 tofix the sixth cylinder 6210 to the sixth central shaft 6250.

A sixth tool groove 6261 is formed at a upper surface of the sixth screw6260 to connect a rotation tool. Between the sixth cylinder 6210 and thesixth screw 6260.

The liquid crystal display 210 is set to off when the cover 200 isclosed to the main body 100. In the portable phone of the presentembodiment, if the main body 100 is closed in a state in which the cover200 is reversely rotated and the liquid crystal display 210 is outwardlyexposed, additional sensor and control function operating the liquidcrystal display 210 is required.

As shown in FIG. 34, the sixth hinge portion 6300 is the substantiallysame as the fourth hinge portion 4300 in the structure and operation,therefore the specific explanation thereof will be omitted. The names ofthe essential parts of the sixth hinge portion 6300 are changed thefourth to the sixth, and the numerals are changed the 4000 to the 6000.

FIG. 39 is a broken perspective view showing the assembling process inwhich the hinge device according to the present invention is assembledwith the main body.

The sixth hinge shaft 6340 is rotatably connected to the sixth rotatinghinge hole 6321 in a state in which the cover hinge device is assembledbetween the main body 100 and the cover 200. And, the sixth rotatinghinge surface 6322 is closely contacted to the sixth fixed hinge surface6332 by the sixth hinge spring 6310. At this time, the sixth fixed hingeprotrusion 6333 of the sixth fixed hinge portion 6330 is connected tothe sixth hinge fixed recess 6120 of the sixth housing 6100 through thesixth hinge housing hole 6362.

The mountain portion and the valley portion of the sixth rotating hingesurface 6322 are respectively connected to the mountain portion and thevalley portion of the sixth fixed hinge surface 6332 in a state in whichthe cover 200 is closed to the main body 100.

Meanwhile, the sixth central shaft 6250 passes through the sixth housingsquare hole, the sixth compressed spring 6240, the sixth fixed sliphole, the sixth rotating slip hole 6221 and the sixth cylinder hole6212. And, the sixth screw 6260 is connected to the sixth screw hole6255. Thereby, the sixth central shaft 6250 is fixed to the sixthrotating chamber 6110. That is, all components of the sixth rotatingportion 6200 are connected to the sixth central shaft 6250. One insertsa rotating tool such as a hexagonal wrench into the sixth screw recess6261 formed on the sixth screw 6260, afterward rotates and connects thesixth screw 6260.

Meanwhile, the sixth slip members 6220 and 6230 can be displaced thoseof embodiment shown in FIGS. 36 and 37.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 38, the sixth pin hole 6256 is formed on theouter periphery of the upper region of the sixth central shaft 6250, andthe sixth pin 6290 is connected to the sixth pin hole 6256. Thereby, thesixth cylinder 6210 can be fixed to the sixth central shaft 6250.

The operation according to the present embodiment is the substantiallysame as that of the fourth embodiment, therefore no further specificones will be explained.

The Seventh Embodiment

Hereinafter, the cover hinge device according to the seventh preferredembodiment of the present invention will be explained.

FIG. 40 is a broken perspective view of the cover hinge device accordingto the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.41 is a sectional view showing the assembling state of the cover hingedevice shown in FIG. 40.

As shown in FIG. 40, the hinge device according to the present inventionincludes the seventh housing 7100 in which the seventh hinge fixedrecess 7120 being fixed to the seventh hinge portion 7300 for openingand closing the cover 200 is formed on the side surface thereof andwhich mechanically connects the cover 200 to the main body 100, theseventh hinge portion 7300 which is connected to the seventh hinge fixedrecess 7120 and which opens and closes the cover 200, and the seventhrotating portion 7200 which is protrudently formed on the upper surfaceof the seventh housing 7100 and rotates the cover 200.

The seventh rotating portion 7200 includes the seventh fixed cylinderportion 7210, the seventh rotating cylinder portion 7220, the seventhmoving member 7230, the seventh compressed spring 7240 and the seventhC-ring 7250.

The seventh fixed cylinder portion 7210 is hollowed cylindrical type,and it is protrudently formed on the upper surface of the seventhhousing 7100. A pair of the seventh recesses 7211 are formed in symmetryon the outer periphery surface of the seventh fixed cylinder portion7210, and also the seventh guiding recess 7212 connecting each theseventh recess 7211 each other is formed. The seventh recess 7211 ishemisphere type, and can be differently designed according to thecondition.

The seventh annular recess 7213 is formed on the outer periphery surfaceof the upper portion of the seventh fixed cylinder portion 7210. Theseventh C-ring 7250 is connected to the seventh annular recess 7213.Thereby, the seventh rotating cylinder portion 7220 is fixed to theseventh fixed cylinder portion 7210.

The seventh rotating cylinder portion 7220 is rotatably inserted intothe seventh fixed cylinder portion 7210. The seventh rotating cylinderportion 7220 has the seventh intermediate hole 7221 that the seventhfixed cylinder portion 7210 is inserted into. And a pair of symmetry theseventh arm 7222 is formed the outer periphery surface of the seventhrotating cylinder portion 7220. The seventh spring chamber 7223 islongitudinally formed on the seventh arm 7222. The seventh connectinghole 7224 connecting to intermediate hole 7221 is formed on the springchamber 7223.

The seventh protrusion 7231, which passes through the seventh connectinghole 7224 and which is inserted into the seventh recess 7211, is formedon the seventh moving member 7230. And, the seventh moving member 7230is movably inserted and installed into the seventh spring chamber 7223.The seventh protrusion 7231 has a shape corresponding to the seventhrecess 7211.

The seventh compressed spring 7240 is inserted into the seventh springchamber 7223 and elastically supports the seventh moving member 7230toward the seventh intermediate hole 7221.

The C-ring 7250 is connected to the seventh annular recess 7213 formedon the outer periphery surface of the seventh fixed cylinder portion7210 from outside of the seventh rotating cylinder portion 7220.Meanwhile, the seventh washer 7260 can be installed between the seventhrotating cylinder portion 7220 and the seventh C-ring 7250.

The seventh line path 7110 connecting to the intermediate of the seventhfixed cylinder portion 7210 is formed on the seventh housing 7100. Eachline, which passes the seventh line path 7210, is connected to the mainbody 100 and the cover 200 through the seventh line path 7110.

The seventh connecting hole 7225 is formed on the seventh arm 7222, andit connects the seventh arm 7222 to the cover 200 using a connectingmeans such as a screw.

Meanwhile, the seventh hinge portion 7300 is the substantially same asthat of the fourth embodiment disclosed in FIG. 24, therefore moreexplanation will be omitted. Further, the names of the essential partsof the seventh hinge portion 7300 is changed the fourth to the seventh,and the numerals is changed 4000 to 7000.

Hereinafter, the operation of the hinge device having theabove-described structure will be explained.

The seventh hinge shaft 7340 is rotatably connected to the seventhrotating hinge hole 7321 in a state in which the cover hinge device isassembled between the main body 100 and the cover 200. The seventhrotating hinge surface 7322 is closely contacted to the seventh fixedhinge surface 7332 by the seventh hinge spring 7310. At this time, theseventh fixed hinge protrusion 7333 of the seventh fixed hinge portion7330 is connected to the seventh hinge fixed recess 7120 of the seventhhousing 7100 through the seventh hinge housing hole 7362.

In a state in which the cover 200 is closed to the main body 100, themountain portion and the valley portion of the seventh rotating hingesurface 7322 are connected to the mountain portion and the valleyportion of the seventh fixed hinge surface 7332, respectively.

In the meantime, the seventh fixing cylinder part 7210 formed at theseventh housing 7100 is inserted into the seventh rotating cylinder part7220 fixed to the cover 200. The seventh protrusion 7231 of the seventhmoving member 7230 elastically supported by the seventh coiled spring7240 passes through the seventh connecting hole 7224 and then it isengaged in the seventh groove 7211 of the seventh fixing cylinder part7210. Accordingly, the seventh rotating cylinder part 7220 and the cover200 stop in a condition that a predetermined rotational driving force isapplied thereto.

Since the seventh sealing 7250 is engaged in the seventh annular groove7213 of the seventh fixing cylinder part 7210 at the outside of theseventh rotating cylinder part 7220, it is possible to prevent theseventh rotating cylinder part 7220 from being released.

The seventh washer 7260 reduces a friction generated between the seventhsealing 7250 and the seventh rotating cylinder part 7220.

In the meantime, a large-sized LCD monitor 210 is installed at aninterior surface of the cover 200. If the cover 200 is closed againstthe main body 100, the user cannot see the LCD monitor 210 of the cover200.

Accordingly, if the user wants to see the LCD monitor 210 in a statethat he or she turns off the portable phone, at first, he or she mustopen the cover 200 by rotating it about the seventh housing 7100 fromthe main body 100.

Hereinafter, the process for reverse turning the cover 200 so as to seethe large-sized LCD monitor 210 in a state that the user closes thecover 200 of the portable phone will be described in detail.

At first, the user opens the cover 200 by rotating it about the fourthhousing 4100 from the main body 100.

When the cover 200 begins to be opened, the seventh rotating cylindricalpart 7220 and the seventh housing 7100 fixed to the cover 200 by meansof the seventh arm 7222 are rotated together. At this time, the seventhrotating hinge part 7320 installed at the seventh housing 7360 is alsorotated together with the cover 200. Since the seventh fixing hinge part7330 is fixed to the main body 100, it is not rotated. Accordingly, aslip phenomenon is occurred between the seventh rotating hinge surface7322 of the seventh rotating hinge part 7320 and the seventh fixinghinge surface 7332 of the seventh fixing hinge part 7330.

If the cover 200 is rotated at about 90 degrees, the mountain of theseventh rotating hinge surface 7322 is contacted with the mountain ofthe seventh fixing hinge surface 7332. At this time, the seventh hingespring 7310 is compressed at its maximum. If the cover 200 is furtherrotated and then it is fully opened, the valley and the mountain of theseventh fixing hinge surface 7332 are engaged with the mountain and thevalley of the fourth rotating hinge surface 4322, respectively. As aresult, the seventh hinge spring 7310 returns at its initial state.

Since the seventh hinge shaft 7340 is inserted into the seventh rotatinghinge hole 7321, it is possible to prevent the seventh hinge shaft 7340from being released at the lateral direction during occurrence of theslip phenomenon between the seventh rotating hinge surface 7322 and theseventh fixing hinge surface 7332. Also, since the seventh rotatinghinge protrusion 7323 of the seventh rotating hinge part 7320 isinserted into the seventh guide groove 7364 of the seventh hinge housing7360, the seventh rotating hinge part 7320 cannot be rotated within theseventh hinge housing 7360 and it only performs a straight line motion.

If the user rotates the cover 110 in the clockwise direction or in thecounter-clockwise direction in a state that the cover 200 is open, theseventh arm 7222 fixed to the cover 200 and the seventh rotatingcylindrical part 7220 are rotated together. At this time, the seventhprotrusion 7231 is released from the seventh groove 7211 of the seventhfixing cylindrical part 7210, and then it moves along the seventhguiding groove 7212. The seventh coiled spring 7240 is pushed and inturn is compressed by the seventh moving member 7230.

Continuously, if the cover 200 is rotated at 180 degrees, the seventhprotrusion 7231 is fitted into the seventh groove 7211. At this time,the seventh coiled spring 7240 is expanded and in turn it pushes theseventh moving member 7230 toward the seventh fixing cylindrical part7210 so as to generate a breaking power.

By performing the process for reverse turning the cover 200 as describedabove, the cover 200 turns reverse and then the large-sized LCD monitor210 turns toward the outside.

If the user closes the cover 200 in a state that the cover 200 turnsreverse, the large-sized LCD monitor 210 of the cover 200 turns towardthe outside and thereby the user can see the large-sized LCD monitor 210under the state that the portable phone is turned off.

Meanwhile, if the user does not want to see the large-sized LCD monitor210, he or she operates the portable phone on the contrary process inorder to set the large-sized LCD monitor of the cover 200 toward themain body 100.

The Eighth Embodiment

Hereinafter, the cover hinge apparatus for the portable phone accordingto the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view of the cover hinge apparatus forthe portable phone according to the eighth embodiment of the presentinvention, FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view of the cover hingeapparatus as shown in FIG. 42, showing the assembled state thereof.Furthermore, FIG. 44 is a sectional view of the cover hinge apparatus asshown in FIG. 42, and FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view of thecover hinge apparatus, showing a process of assembling the cover hingeapparatus to the main body.

As shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, the cover hinge apparatus for the portablephone according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention isprovided with the eighth rotating chamber 8110 and the eighth hingechamber 8120 formed at one side surface thereof. Furthermore, the coverhinge apparatus includes the eighth housing 8100 for mechanicallyconnecting the cover 200 with main body 100, the eighth hinge part 8300for opening or closing the cover 200, which is installed in the hingechamber 8120, and the eighth rotating part 8200 for rotating the cover200, which is installed in the eighth rotating part 8200.

The eighth rotating part 8200 is constituted of the eighth housing 8100,the eighth center shaft 8210, the eighth cylinder 8220, the eighth arm8230, the eighth moving member 8240, the eighth center shaft spring 8250and the eighth pin 8280.

The eighth center shaft 8210 is fixed on a bottom surface of the eighthrotating chamber 8110. The eighth outer periphery surface groove 8211 isformed at an outer periphery surface of the eighth center shaft 8210. Aplurality of eighth spring holes 8212 are formed at the eighth outerperiphery surface groove 8211. The eighth post 8231 is formed at anupper end of the eighth center shaft 8210 and the eighth pinhole 8214 isformed through the upper outer periphery surface of the eighth post8231.

The eighth cylinder 8220 is provided with the eighth cylinder chamber8221 of which a bottom surface is opened. The eighth cylinder hole 8224is formed at the upper surface of the eighth cylinder 8220. The eighthcylinder groove 8222 for receiving the eighth moving member 8240 isformed at an inner periphery surface of the eighth cylinder 8220. Theeighth cylinder groove 8222 is formed along the longitudinal directionof the eighth cylinder 8220 and then it has a concave shape. The eighthcylinder 8220 is rotatably installed on the eighth center shaft 8210.

The eighth arm 8230 is repeatedly rounded and is fixed to the cover 200by engaging with the upper end of the eighth cylinder 8220.

The eighth moving member 8240 for rotating the cover 200 is elasticallyinstalled the eighth outer periphery surface groove 8211. The eighthrounded part 8241 corresponding to the eighth cylinder groove 8222 isformed at one side surface of the eighth moving member 8240.Furthermore, the eighth spring protrusion 8242 corresponding to theeighth spring hole 8212 is formed at the other side surface of theeighth moving member 8240.

The eighth center shaft spring 8250 is installed in the eighth springhole 8212 and it is fitted into the eighth spring protrusion 8242 so asto elastically support the eighth moving member 8240.

The eighth coil spring 8260 is installed at the eighth post 8231 of theeighth center shaft 8210 and the eighth cylinder 8220, respectively.

The eighth pin 8280 is inserted into the eighth pinhole 8214 and then itmakes the eighth arm 8230 and the eighth cylinder 8220 to be fixed tothe eighth center shaft 8210.

Since construction and operation of the eighth hinge part 8300 is thesame as those of the hinge part disclosed in the fourth embodiment andthe seventh embodiment as described above, detailed explanation thereofwill be omitted.

Hereinafter, operation of the present invention will be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

When the cover 200 is maintained in the main body 100 at a closedcondition, the eighth rounded part 8241 of the eighth moving member 8240is inserted into the eighth cylinder groove 8222 of the eighth cylinder8220 by receiving an elastic force generated from the eighth centershaft spring 8250. Accordingly, the eighth cylinder 8220 and the eightharm 8230 stop to rotate by receiving a resisting force. In other words,the cover 200 cannot be rotated.

Under this state, if the user wants to see the LCD monitor 210 in astate that he or she turns off the portable phone, at first, he or shemust open the cover 200 by rotating it about the eighth housing 8100from the main body 100.

If the user rotates the cover 200 in the clockwise direction or in thecounter-clockwise direction in a state that the cover 200 is open, theeighth arm 8230 fixed to the cover 200 and the eighth cylinder 8220fixed to the eighth arm 8230 are rotated together. At this time, theeighth rounded part 8241 of the eighth moving member 8240 engaged withthe eighth center shaft 8210 is released toward the eighth cylindergroove 8222 of the eighth cylinder 8220 and then it is rotated along theinner periphery surface of the eighth cylinder chamber 8221. At thistime, the eighth moving member 8240 pushes the eighth center shaftspring 8250 and thereby the eighth center shaft spring 8250 iscompressed.

Continuously, if the cover 200 is rotated at 180 degrees, the eighthrounded part 8241 of the eighth moving member 8240 is fitted into theeighth groove 8222. At this time, the eighth center shaft spring 8250 isexpanded and in turn it pushes the eighth moving member 8240 toward theoutside so as to generate a breaking power.

Under this state, when the cover 200 is maintained in the main body 100at a closed condition, the large-sized LCD monitor 210 of the cover 200is exposed to the outside and thereby the user can see the large-sizedLCD monitor 210. Accordingly, the user takes pleasure in playing a gamethrough the large-sized LCD monitor 210 after connecting a keypad forplaying a game to the portable phone.

Meanwhile, if the user does not want to see the large-sized LCD monitor210 of the cover 200, he or she operates the portable phone on thecontrary process in order to set the large-sized LCD monitor of thecover 200 toward the main body 100.

In the meanwhile, a predetermined camera lens (not shown) may beinstalled at one side of the main body 100 of the cover 200 of theportable phone according to the above embodiments as described above.

Hereinafter, taking into consideration that the large-sized LCD monitor210 is only installed at the inner surface of the cover 200 and a cameralens is installed at the outer side surface of the main body 100, theprocess for reverse turning the cover 200 will be described in detail.

The camera is may be installed at a predetermined position exceptcertain positions in which a battery is mounted in the rear side surfaceof the main body 100 and in which the user grasps the portable phonewith his or her hand.

A sensor (not shown) for sensing opening or closing of the cover 200 isinstalled at the main body 100. A control switch (not shown) forcontrolling operation of the camera lens and a sensor (not shown) formonitoring reverse turning of the cover 200 are installed at the sidesurface portion of the main body 100 and the keypad part of the mainbody 100.

Since the camera lens (not shown) is installed at the outer side surfaceof the main body 100 prior to opening and reverse turning the cover 200,it can take pictures about some objects or persons in front of the user.At this time, the user can take pictures about some objects through thecamera lens by seeing the objects through the large-sized LCD monitor210 of the cover 200. In other words, if the cover 200 is open, thesensor perceives the opening state of the cover 200 and the control partinstalled at the main body 100 illuminates the keypad part and thelarge-sized LCD monitor 21.

Since the camera lens (not shown) is installed at the outer side surfaceof the main body 100, it can take pictures about some objects or personsin front of the user. Under this state, if the user pushes down thecontrol switch (not shown) installed at the side surface of the mainbody 100 and the key board, it is possible to take picture about someobjects and persons in front of the user by operating the camera lens(not shown) through the control part. The pictures obtained by thecamera may be transmitted to a terminal of another user through a basestation.

Meanwhile, if the user wants to perform an operation of a displayingphone by using the portable phone as described above, he or she mustreturns reverse the cover 200 in a state that the cover 200 is open.

When the user wants to take picture about her of him self by using thecamera lens (not shown), the user returns reverse the cover 200 from themain body 100 by rotating the cover 200 in a state that the cover 200 isopen.

After completing reverse turning of the cover 200, the sensor senses thecompletion of the reverse turning thereof.

When the cover 200 reverse turns from the main body 200, the large-sizedLCD monitor 210 of the cover 200 and the camera lens (not shown) of themain body 100 turn toward the user. Accordingly, the user takes pictureabout her of him self by pushing down the control switch installed atthe side surface of the main body 100. At this time, the user canprecisely take picture about her of him self by seeing the LCD monitor210.

The embodiment of which the large-sized LCD monitor 210 is onlyinstalled at the inner surface of the cover 200 and the camera lens (notshown) is installed at the outer side surface of the main body 100 isexplained above. If the large-sized LCD monitor 210 is installed at theinter or the outer side surfaces of the cover 200, or the camera lens400 is mountained to the inner side surface of the main body 100 or theinner side surface or the outer side surface of the cover 200, it ispossible to reverse return the cover 200 through the reverse returningpart. Consequently, it is possible to obtain operation and effect, whichare the same as those of the embodiment according to the presentinvention.

The construction disclosed at an international publication numberWO02/082674 may be employed as the hinge part for opening or closing thecover against the main body in the present invention.

Hereinafter, the effects according to the present invention will beexplained.

Since the cover hinge apparatus of the portable phone according to thepresent invention may be reverse turned by the reverse turning part, itis possible to see the large-sized LCD monitor by reverse returning theLCD monitor to the outside at the time that the portable phone is notused. Accordingly, when the user takes pleasure in playing a game andseeing TV through the portable phone, it is convenient to use.

Further, since the number of the LCD monitor installed at the cover isreduced, the manufacturing cost of the portable phone can be alsoreduced.

Since the hinge apparatus according to the present invention includes animproved rotating part and an improved hinge part, it is possible toperform an effect rotation.

Finally, in the hinge apparatus according to the present invention, itis possible to prevent the wire for connecting the main body with thecover from being twisted by forming the cut-away groove or the wiringpassageway.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details maybe effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

1. The hinge mechanism of a portable phone comprising: a housing havinga rotary chamber with an opened top portion and a hinge chamber formedat a side of the rotary chamber, for mechanically connecting a cover toa body; a hinge part which is installed to the hinge chamber, foropening and closing the cover; and a rotary part which is installed tothe rotary chamber, for rotating the cover, wherein the rotary partincludes a cylinder which opens at a lower portion and has a cylinderchamber, which has a cylinder hole formed in an upper portion thereofand an arm projected from the upper portion thereof to be combined withthe cover, and which has a cylinder groove formed lengthwise thereon; acompressed spring which is installed in the cylinder chamber; a rotaryslip part which has a rotary slip hole formed at a center portionthereof; a fixed slip part which has a polygonal hole formed at a centerportion thereof and which has a fixed slip surface on an upper portion;and a center shaft which has a polygonal projection to be combined withthe polygonal hole, and which is installed at a bottom surface of therotary chamber to sequentially extend the polygonal hole, the rotaryslip hole, the compressed spring and the cylinder hole.
 2. The hingemechanism of the portable phone according to claim 1, wherein a pair ofballs is installed on the rotary slip surface to be opposite to eachother about the rotary slip hole while a pair of hemispheric grooves isformed on the fixed slip surface to face the pair of the balls, and aguide recess is formed to communicate with the hemispheric grooves. 3.The hinge mechanism of the portable phone according to claim 1, whereina pair of balls is installed on the fixed slip surface to be opposite toeach other about the fixed slip hole while a pair of hemispheric groovesis formed on the rotary slip surface to face the pair of the balls, anda guide recess is formed to communicate with the hemispheric grooves. 4.The hinge mechanism of the portable phone according to claim 1, whereina pair of projections is installed on the rotary slip surface to beopposite to each other about the rotary slip hole while a pair ofhemispheric grooves is formed on the fixed slip surface to face the pairof the projections, and guide recess is formed to communicate with thehemispheric grooves.
 5. The hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to claim 1, wherein a cylinder projection is formed on anouter peripheral surface of the cylinder, and a pair of stoppers isformed on opposite inner surfaces of the rotary chamber, to which thecylinder projection is latched.
 6. The hinge mechanism of the portablephone according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a cutoff portionthrough which a wire enters the rotary chamber to electrically connectthe cover to the body.
 7. The hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to claim 1, wherein an annular groove is formed at an end ofthe center shaft, to which a sealing is combined to fix the cylinder tothe center shaft.
 8. The hinge mechanism of the portable phone accordingto claim 1, wherein the hinge chamber opens at a side thereof, whichincludes a guide recess formed from the opened end to an interiorthereof, and the hinge part includes: a hinge spring which is installedin the hinge chamber; a rotary hinge part which is inserted in the hingechamber to enclose the hinge spring, which has a rotary hinge holeformed at a center portion thereof, which has a rotary hinge projectionformed on an outer surface thereof to be combined with the guide recess,and which has a rotary hinge surface continuously and horizontallyextending to the rotary hinge hole while having two-wave type of bendingwhen rotating each time; a fixed hinge part which encloses the hingespring, which has a fixed hinge hole corresponding to the rotary hingehole, and which has a fixed hinge surface formed on a side thereof to becorresponding to the rotary hinge surface and a fixed hinge projectionformed on the other side thereof to be fixed to the body; and a hingeshaft extending through the fixed hinge hole, the rotary hinge hole andthe hinge spring to be fixed to the hinge chamber.
 9. The hingemechanism of the portable phone according to claim 1, wherein the hingechamber opens at a side thereof, which includes a guide recess formedfrom an opened end to an interior thereof, and the hinge part includes:a hinge spring which is installed to the hinge chamber; a rotary hingepart which is inserted in the hinge chamber to enclose the hinge spring,which has a rotary hinge hole formed at a center portion thereof, andwhich has a rotary hinge projection formed on an outer surface to becombined to the guide recess and a plain rotary hinge surface; a fixedhinge part which encloses the fixed hinge part, which has a fixed hingehole corresponding to the rotary hinge hole, and which has a fixed hingesurface formed on a side thereof to be corresponding to the rotary hingesurface and a fixed hinge projection formed on the other side to befixed to the body; and a hinge shaft extending through the fixed hingehole, the rotary hinge hole and the hinge spring to be fixed to thehinge chamber.
 10. The hinge mechanism of the portable phone accordingto claim 1, wherein the hinge chamber opens at a top portion thereof,which has a hinge chamber hole formed at a side thereof and a guiderecess formed lengthwise on an inner surface, and the hinge partincludes: a hinge spring which is installed in the hinge chamber; arotary hinge part which is inserted in the hinge chamber to enclose thehinge spring, which has a hinge spring hole formed at a center portionthereof, and which a rotary hinge projection formed on an outer surfacethereof to be combined with the guide recess and a rotary hinge surfaceformed at a side thereof; a fixed hinge part which encloses the fixedhinge part, which has a fixed hinge hole corresponding to the rotaryhinge hole, and which has a fixed hinge surface formed at a side thereofto be corresponding to the rotary hinge surface and a fixed hingeprojection formed on the other side thereof to be fixed to the body; anda hinge shaft extending through the fixed hinge hole, the rotary hingehole and the hinge spring to be fixed to the hinge chamber.
 11. Thehinge mechanism of the portable phone according to claim 1, wherein thehinge chamber opens at a top portion thereof, which has a hinge chamberhole formed at a side thereof and which has a guide recess including ahorizontal groove formed lengthwise on an inner surface thereof and avertical groove being normal to the horizontal groove to be connected tothe opening, and the hinge part includes: a hinge spring which isinstalled to the hinge chamber; a hinge part which is inserted in thehinge chamber to enclose the hinge spring, which has a rotary hinge holeformed at a center portion thereof, and which has a rotary hingeprojection formed on an outer surface thereof to be combined to theguide groove and which has a rotary hinge surface formed at a surface; afixed hinge part which encloses the fixed hinge part, which has a fixedhinge hole corresponding to the rotary hinge hole, and which has a fixedhinge surface formed on a side thereof to be corresponding to the rotaryhinge surface and a fixed projection formed on the other side to befixed to the body; and a hinge shaft extending through the fixed hingehole, the rotary hinge hole and the hinge spring to be fixed to thehinge chamber.
 12. The hinge mechanism of the portable phone accordingto claim 1, wherein the hinge part includes: a hinge housing which has ahinge housing chamber with an opened top portion, which has a guidegroove formed lengthwise on a side wall thereof, and a hinge springprojection formed at the other side thereof; a rotary hinge part whichis installed to the hinge housing, which has a rotary hinge projectionformed on an outer surface to be inserted in guide recess and a hingehole formed at a center portion thereof, and which has a rotary hingesurface continuously and horizontally extending to the hinge hole whilehaving two-wave type of bending when rotating each time; a fixed hingepart which is rotatably installed to the hinge housing, which has afixed hinge surface formed at a side thereof to be corresponding to therotary hinge surface, which has a hinge shaft formed on the fixed hingesurface to be inserted in the rotary hinge hole, and which has a fixedhinge projection formed at the other side thereof to be inserted in thehinge housing hole; and a hinge spring which is installed to the hingehousing so that an end of the hinge spring is combined to the hingespring projection and the other end elastically supports the secondrotary hinge part.
 13. The hinge mechanism of the portable phoneaccording to claim 1, wherein a camera lens is attached to an innersurface or outer surface of the cover to take a picture, and wherein acontrol switch is installed to a side of the body to control anoperation of the camera lens.
 14. The hinge mechanism of portable phoneaccording claim 1, wherein a camera lens is attached to an inner surfaceor outer surface of the body to take a picture, and wherein a controlswitch is installed to a side of the body to control an operation of thecamera lens.
 15. The hinge mechanism of a portable phone comprising: ahousing having a rotary chamber with an opened top portion and a hingechamber formed at a side of the rotary chamber, for mechanicallyconnecting a cover to a body; a hinge part which is installed to thehinge chamber, for opening and closing the cover; and a rotary partwhich is installed to the rotary chamber, for rotating the cover,wherein the rotary part includes a cylinder which opens at a lowerportion and has a cylinder chamber, which has a cylinder hole formed inan upper portion thereof and an arm projected from the upper portionthereof to be combined with the cover, and which has a cylinder grooveformed lengthwise thereon; a compressed spring which is installed in thecylinder chamber; a rotary slip part which has a rotary slip hole formedat a center portion thereof; a fixed slip part which has a polygonalhole formed at a center portion thereof and which has a fixed slipsurface on an upper portion; and a center shaft which has a polygonalprojection to be combined with the polygonal hole, and which isinstalled at a bottom surface of the rotary chamber to sequentiallyextend the polygonal hole, the rotary slip hole, the compressed springand the cylinder hole, wherein a pair of projections is installed on therotary slip surface symmetrically about the center thereof, while a pairof hemispheric grooves is formed on the fixed slip surface to face theprojections or vice versa, and a guide recess is formed to communicatewith the hemispheric grooves.